Head-to-head · 2026
Daramalan College vs Radford College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Canberra. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Daramalan College is Catholic; Radford College is Anglican.
- Year 12 fees differ by $10,910: Daramalan College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 78: Radford College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Canberra, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Daramalan College | Radford College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Dickson, Canberra | Bruce, Canberra |
| Sector | Catholic | Anglican |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | Year 7-Year 12 | Pre-K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1106 | 1184 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $15,040 | $25,950 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $12,796 | $25,050 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1962 | 1984 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (MSC) | Anglican Church of Australia |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Daramalan College
Standout strengths
- ›Run by Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
- ›Strong performing arts and music program
- ›Co-ed across all year levels since 1996
Catholic co-educational school in Dickson, Canberra. Run by Missionaries of the Sacred Heart
See full profile →Radford College
Standout strengths
- ›IB Diploma alongside ACT BSSS pathway
- ›Round Square member school
- ›Largest enrolment in ACT independent sector (2,100+)
Anglican co-educational school in Bruce, Canberra. IB Diploma alongside ACT BSSS pathway
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Daramalan College or Radford College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Radford College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Daramalan College is more affordable. Both are in Canberra. 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 Daramalan College and Radford College?
Daramalan College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $15,040 (Year 7: $12,796). Radford College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $25,950 (Year 7: $25,050). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Daramalan College vs Radford College?
Daramalan College has an ICSEA score of 1106; Radford College has 1184. 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, Daramalan College or Radford College?
Daramalan College is the older school (founded 1962 vs 1984 for Radford College).
Do Daramalan College or Radford College offer boarding?
Daramalan College: Day school only. Radford College: Day school only.
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.
Open calculator →