Head-to-head · 2026
Hunter Valley Grammar School vs PLC Armidale
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Newcastle. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Hunter Valley Grammar School is Independent (secular); PLC Armidale is Uniting Church.
- Gender: Hunter Valley Grammar School is co-educational; PLC Armidale is girls.
- PLC Armidale offers boarding; Hunter Valley Grammar School is day-only.
- PLC Armidale is the older school (est. 1887 vs 1990).
- Both schools are in Newcastle, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Hunter Valley Grammar School | PLC Armidale |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Ashtonfield, Newcastle | Armidale, Newcastle |
| Sector | Independent (secular) | Uniting Church |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | ELC to Year 12 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1134 | 1126 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $25,500 | $28,280 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $24,200 | $25,420 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $39,800/yr |
| Founded | 1990 | 1887 |
| Religion | None (non-denominational/secular) | Uniting Church in Australia |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Hunter Valley Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›Independent secular co-educational P-12 school
- ›IB World School (PYP)
- ›Largest independent school in the Maitland-Hunter region
Independent (secular) co-educational school in Ashtonfield, Newcastle. Independent secular co-educational P-12 school
See full profile →PLC Armidale
Standout strengths
- ›Regional NSW girls boarding
- ›Strong equestrian + agriculture programs
- ›PLC Sydney sister school
Uniting Church girls' school in Armidale, regional NSW. Founded 1887. Sister to Sydney PLC.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Hunter Valley Grammar School or PLC Armidale?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Hunter Valley Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Hunter Valley Grammar School is more affordable. Both are in Newcastle. 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 Hunter Valley Grammar School and PLC Armidale?
Hunter Valley Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $25,500 (Year 7: $24,200). PLC Armidale's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $28,280 (Year 7: $25,420). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Hunter Valley Grammar School vs PLC Armidale?
Hunter Valley Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1134; PLC Armidale has 1126. 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, Hunter Valley Grammar School or PLC Armidale?
PLC Armidale is the older school (founded 1887 vs 1990 for Hunter Valley Grammar School).
Do Hunter Valley Grammar School or PLC Armidale offer boarding?
Hunter Valley Grammar School: Day school only. PLC Armidale: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $39,800/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.
Open calculator →