Head-to-head · 2026
Edmund Rice College Wollongong vs Holy Spirit College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Wollongong. 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: Edmund Rice College Wollongong is Catholic; Holy Spirit College is Catholic systemic.
- Gender: Edmund Rice College Wollongong is boys; Holy Spirit College is co-ed.
- Year 12 fees differ by $8,355: Holy Spirit College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 14: Edmund Rice College Wollongong draws from a more advantaged community.
- Edmund Rice College Wollongong is the older school (est. 1926 vs 1983).
- Both schools are in Wollongong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Edmund Rice College Wollongong | Holy Spirit College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | West Wollongong, Wollongong | Bellambi, Wollongong |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic systemic |
| Gender | boys | co-ed |
| Year levels | Year 7 to Year 12 | 7-12 |
| ICSEA | 1083 | 1069 |
| Year 12 fee | $11,240 | $2,885 |
| Year 7 fee | $7,770 | $2,150 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1926 | 1983 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Edmund Rice Education Australia) | Catholic |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Edmund Rice College Wollongong
Standout strengths
- ›Christian Brothers tradition; centenary celebrated 2026
- ›Largest Catholic boys' college in the Illawarra
- ›Strong sport, social-justice and Edmund Rice Education Australia network programs
Catholic boys school in West Wollongong, Wollongong. Christian Brothers tradition; centenary celebrated 2026
See full profile →Holy Spirit College
Standout strengths
- ›International Baccalaureate (IB)
- ›CareerTools careers program
- ›Formed from the 1983 amalgamation of St Paul's College and Holy Cross College
Holy Spirit College is a Catholic systemic co-educational secondary school (Years 7-12) in Bellambi, in the Diocese of Wollongong. Formed in 1983 from the amalgamation of St Paul's College and Holy Cross College, it is a large school of roughly 1,250 students with an above-average ICSEA of 1069. Low-fee Catholic tuition with an International Baccalaureate offering.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Edmund Rice College Wollongong or Holy Spirit College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Edmund Rice College Wollongong. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Holy Spirit College is more affordable. Both are in Wollongong. 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 Edmund Rice College Wollongong and Holy Spirit College?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $11,240 (Year 7: $7,770). Holy Spirit College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $2,885 (Year 7: $2,150). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Edmund Rice College Wollongong vs Holy Spirit College?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong has an ICSEA score of 1083; Holy Spirit College has 1069. 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, Edmund Rice College Wollongong or Holy Spirit College?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong is the older school (founded 1926 vs 1983 for Holy Spirit College).
Do Edmund Rice College Wollongong or Holy Spirit College offer boarding?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong: Day school only. Holy Spirit 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 →