Head-to-head · 2026
Geelong Grammar School vs Kardinia International College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Geelong. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Geelong Grammar School is Anglican; Kardinia International College is Independent (secular).
- Geelong Grammar School offers boarding; Kardinia International College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $37,493: Kardinia International College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 30: Geelong Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Geelong Grammar School is the older school (est. 1855 vs 1996).
- Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Geelong Grammar School | Kardinia International College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Corio, Geelong | Bell Post Hill, Geelong |
| Sector | Anglican | Independent (secular) |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | ELC to Year 12 | ELC to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1149 | 1119 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $55,380 | $17,887 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $45,740 | $13,947 |
| Boarding | Yes · $93,840/yr | Day school |
| Founded | 1855 | 1996 |
| Religion | Anglican Church of Australia | Non-denominational/secular |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
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 →Kardinia International College
Standout strengths
- ›IB World School: Primary Years Programme + IB Diploma alongside VCE
- ›Three campuses with school bus included in fees
- ›More educationally advantaged than 96% of Australian schools
Independent (secular) co-educational school in Bell Post Hill, Geelong. IB World School: Primary Years Programme + IB Diploma alongside VCE
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Geelong Grammar School or Kardinia International College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Geelong Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Kardinia International 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 Geelong Grammar School and Kardinia International College?
Geelong Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $55,380 (Year 7: $45,740). Kardinia International College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,887 (Year 7: $13,947). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Geelong Grammar School vs Kardinia International College?
Geelong Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1149; Kardinia International College has 1119. 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, Geelong Grammar School or Kardinia International College?
Geelong Grammar School is the older school (founded 1855 vs 1996 for Kardinia International College).
Do Geelong Grammar School or Kardinia International College offer boarding?
Geelong Grammar School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $93,840/yr. Kardinia International 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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