Head-to-head · 2026
Holy Spirit College 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: Holy Spirit College is Catholic systemic; Illawarra Christian School is Independent.
- Year 12 fees differ by $8,585: Holy Spirit College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 23: Illawarra Christian School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Wollongong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Holy Spirit College | Illawarra Christian School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Bellambi, Wollongong | Cordeaux Heights, Wollongong |
| Sector | Catholic systemic | Independent |
| Gender | co-ed | co-ed |
| Year levels | 7-12 | Preschool-12 |
| ICSEA | 1069 | 1092 |
| Year 12 fee | $2,885 | $11,470 |
| Year 7 fee | $2,150 | $10,000 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1983 | 1982 |
| Religion | Catholic | 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).
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 →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, Holy Spirit College or Illawarra Christian School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Illawarra Christian School. 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 Holy Spirit College and Illawarra Christian School?
Holy Spirit College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $2,885 (Year 7: $2,150). 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 Holy Spirit College vs Illawarra Christian School?
Holy Spirit College has an ICSEA score of 1069; 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, Holy Spirit College or Illawarra Christian School?
Illawarra Christian School is the older school (founded 1982 vs 1983 for Holy Spirit College).
Do Holy Spirit College or Illawarra Christian School offer boarding?
Holy Spirit College: 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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