Head-to-head · 2026

Geelong Lutheran College vs The Geelong College

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Geelong. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 6 June 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 6 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

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At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Geelong Lutheran College is Lutheran; The Geelong College is Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian).
  • Gender: Geelong Lutheran College is co-ed; The Geelong College is co-educational.
  • The Geelong College offers boarding; Geelong Lutheran College is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $25,810: Geelong Lutheran College is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 53: The Geelong College draws from a more advantaged community.
  • The Geelong College is the older school (est. 1861 vs 1962).
  • Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Geelong Lutheran College The Geelong College
City / suburbArmstrong Creek, GeelongNewtown, Geelong
SectorLutheranUniting Church (formerly Presbyterian)
Genderco-edco-educational
Year levelsPrep-12 (Armstrong Creek); Prep-6 (St John's Newtown)ELC to Year 12
ICSEA10771130
Year 12 fee$12,730$38,540
Year 7 fee$9,490$30,172
BoardingDay schoolYes · $31,080/yr
Founded19621861
ReligionLutheranUniting Church in Australia (associated, not governed)

All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Geelong Lutheran College

Standout strengths

  • Two-campus Lutheran college (St John's Newtown, est. 1962, Prep-6; Armstrong Creek, opened 2009, Prep-12) with first Year 12 cohort graduating in 2014
  • 1:1 Laptop Program from Years 5-12 plus a Year 12 'Universities' live-in experience built into core tuition
  • VCE electives in Outdoor & Environmental Studies, Systems Engineering, Product Design & Technology and Food Studies, with on-campus VET music and VET subsidies up to $500

Geelong Lutheran College is a co-educational P-12 Lutheran school operating across two Geelong campuses: St John's Newtown (Prep-6, founded 1962) and the larger Armstrong Creek campus (Prep-12, opened 2009). The two schools formally merged into one college with two campuses in 2023. Official 2026 fees run from $5,635 (Prep) to $12,730 (Year 12), with Year 7 at $9,490, and the school offers sibling and early-payment discounts. ICSEA 1077.

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The Geelong College

Standout strengths

  • Heritage co-ed boarding option founded 1861
  • Strong rowing tradition (Head of the River)
  • Year 12 fees billed over three terms only

Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian) co-educational school in Newtown, Geelong. Heritage co-ed boarding option founded 1861

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Geelong Lutheran College or The Geelong College?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Geelong College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Geelong Lutheran 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 Lutheran College and The Geelong College?

Geelong Lutheran College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $12,730 (Year 7: $9,490). The Geelong College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $38,540 (Year 7: $30,172). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Geelong Lutheran College vs The Geelong College?

Geelong Lutheran College has an ICSEA score of 1077; The Geelong College has 1130. 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 Lutheran College or The Geelong College?

The Geelong College is the older school (founded 1861 vs 1962 for Geelong Lutheran College).

Do Geelong Lutheran College or The Geelong College offer boarding?

Geelong Lutheran College: Day school only. The Geelong College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,080/yr.

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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