Head-to-head · 2026
Edmund Rice College Wollongong vs Illawarra Christian School
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; Illawarra Christian School is Independent.
- Gender: Edmund Rice College Wollongong is boys; Illawarra Christian School is co-ed.
- Edmund Rice College Wollongong is the older school (est. 1926 vs 1982).
- Both schools are in Wollongong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Edmund Rice College Wollongong | Illawarra Christian School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | West Wollongong, Wollongong | Cordeaux Heights, Wollongong |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent |
| Gender | boys | co-ed |
| Year levels | Year 7 to Year 12 | Preschool-12 |
| ICSEA | 1083 | 1092 |
| Year 12 fee | $11,240 | $11,470 |
| Year 7 fee | $7,770 | $10,000 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1926 | 1982 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Edmund Rice Education Australia) | Christian (parent-controlled, non-denominational) |
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 →Illawarra Christian School
Standout strengths
- ›Parent-controlled / parent-partnered Christian education model
- ›Two campuses (Cordeaux Heights and Tongarra)
- ›Prep program from age 4 (introduced 2008)
Illawarra Christian School is an independent, co-educational, parent-controlled Christian school in Cordeaux Heights serving Preschool to Year 12. Established in 1982 (opening in the hall of Woonona Presbyterian Church with one teacher and 10 children), it now educates roughly 650-800 students across its Cordeaux Heights and Tongarra campuses, with a strong ICSEA of 1092. All subjects are taught from a distinctively Christian worldview.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Edmund Rice College Wollongong or Illawarra Christian School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Illawarra Christian School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Edmund Rice College Wollongong 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 Illawarra Christian School?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $11,240 (Year 7: $7,770). Illawarra Christian School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $11,470 (Year 7: $10,000). 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 Illawarra Christian School?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong has an ICSEA score of 1083; Illawarra Christian School has 1092. 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 Illawarra Christian School?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong is the older school (founded 1926 vs 1982 for Illawarra Christian School).
Do Edmund Rice College Wollongong or Illawarra Christian School offer boarding?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong: Day school only. Illawarra Christian School: 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.
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