Head-to-head · 2026
Edmund Rice College Wollongong vs St Mary Star of the Sea 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
- Gender: Edmund Rice College Wollongong is boys; St Mary Star of the Sea College is girls.
- ICSEA gap of 10: St Mary Star of the Sea College draws from a more advantaged community.
- St Mary Star of the Sea College is the older school (est. 1873 vs 1926).
- Both schools are in Wollongong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Edmund Rice College Wollongong | St Mary Star of the Sea College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | West Wollongong, Wollongong | Wollongong, Wollongong |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic |
| Gender | boys | girls |
| Year levels | Year 7 to Year 12 | Year 7 to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1083 | 1093 |
| Year 12 fee | $11,240 | $10,803 |
| Year 7 fee | $7,770 | $8,532 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1926 | 1873 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Edmund Rice Education Australia) | Roman Catholic (Sisters of the Good Samaritan tradition) |
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 →St Mary Star of the Sea College
Standout strengths
- ›150+ year heritage; founded 1873 by Sisters of the Good Samaritan
- ›Largest Catholic girls' college in the Illawarra
- ›Strong VET, music and creative arts program
Catholic girls school in Wollongong, Wollongong. 150+ year heritage; founded 1873 by Sisters of the Good Samaritan
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Edmund Rice College Wollongong or St Mary Star of the Sea College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, St Mary Star of the Sea College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Mary Star of the Sea 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 St Mary Star of the Sea College?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $11,240 (Year 7: $7,770). St Mary Star of the Sea College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $10,803 (Year 7: $8,532). 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 St Mary Star of the Sea College?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong has an ICSEA score of 1083; St Mary Star of the Sea College has 1093. 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 St Mary Star of the Sea College?
St Mary Star of the Sea College is the older school (founded 1873 vs 1926 for Edmund Rice College Wollongong).
Do Edmund Rice College Wollongong or St Mary Star of the Sea College offer boarding?
Edmund Rice College Wollongong: Day school only. St Mary Star of the Sea 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.
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