Head-to-head · 2026
Covenant College vs Geelong Grammar School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Geelong. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 6 June 2026.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Covenant College is Christian; Geelong Grammar School is Anglican.
- Gender: Covenant College is co-ed; Geelong Grammar School is co-educational.
- Geelong Grammar School offers boarding; Covenant College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $47,470: Covenant College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 79: Geelong Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Geelong Grammar School is the older school (est. 1855 vs 1979).
- Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Covenant College | Geelong Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Bell Post Hill, Geelong | Corio, Geelong |
| Sector | Christian | Anglican |
| Gender | co-ed | co-educational |
| Year levels | Foundation-12 (plus 3yo Kindergarten) | ELC to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1070 | 1149 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,910 | $55,380 |
| Year 7 fee | $7,430 | $45,740 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $93,840/yr |
| Founded | 1979 | 1855 |
| Religion | Christian (non-denominational, parent-controlled) | Anglican Church of Australia |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Covenant College
Standout strengths
- ›On-site Trade Skills Centre delivering hands-on VET and vocational pathways alongside VCE
- ›Dedicated Netball Academy plus a strong music and performing arts program
- ›Missions Program and 'Covenant Warriors' co-curricular program reflecting its Christian, parent-controlled ethos
Covenant College is an independent, co-educational, non-denominational Christian school in Bell Post Hill, Geelong, founded in 1979 as Geelong Christian School. It is parent-controlled and serves around 735 students from three-year-old Kindergarten through to VCE (Foundation-Year 12). Distinctive offerings include an on-campus Trade Skills Centre, a Netball Academy and a Missions Program. Published tuition is roughly $7,430 in Year 7 and $7,910 in Year 12. ICSEA 1070.
See full profile →Geelong Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›Compulsory Year 9 'Timbertop' wilderness boarding campus (Mansfield)
- ›Founder of the Positive Education movement in Australia
- ›Australia's most expensive school; one of Asia-Pacific's best-known boarding schools
Anglican co-educational school in Corio, Geelong. Compulsory Year 9 'Timbertop' wilderness boarding campus (Mansfield)
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Covenant College or Geelong Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Geelong Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Covenant College is more affordable. Both are in Geelong. The most meaningful comparison is on culture, programs, transport and entry pathway for your specific child – visit open days and talk to current parents.
What are the 2026 fees for Covenant College and Geelong Grammar School?
Covenant College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,910 (Year 7: $7,430). Geelong Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $55,380 (Year 7: $45,740). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Covenant College vs Geelong Grammar School?
Covenant College has an ICSEA score of 1070; Geelong Grammar School has 1149. The Australian median is 1000. ICSEA measures the socio-educational advantage of the school community – it correlates with academic outcomes but does NOT measure teaching quality or value-add. ICSEA is published by ACARA on MySchool.
Which school is older, Covenant College or Geelong Grammar School?
Geelong Grammar School is the older school (founded 1855 vs 1979 for Covenant College).
Do Covenant College or Geelong Grammar School offer boarding?
Covenant College: Day school only. Geelong Grammar School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $93,840/yr.
Next step
Model the 6-year cost for either school
Project Year 7-12 tuition with 4.5% annual indexation. Add boarding, levies and sibling discounts. Compare side-by-side.
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