Head-to-head · 2026
Ignatius Park College vs Southern Cross Catholic College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Townsville. 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: Ignatius Park College is Catholic (Edmund Rice); Southern Cross Catholic College is Catholic.
- Gender: Ignatius Park College is boys; Southern Cross Catholic College is co-ed.
- ICSEA gap of 10: Southern Cross Catholic College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Townsville, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Ignatius Park College | Southern Cross Catholic College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Cranbrook, Townsville | Annandale, Townsville |
| Sector | Catholic (Edmund Rice) | Catholic |
| Gender | boys | co-ed |
| Year levels | Year 7-12 | Prep-12 |
| ICSEA | 1030 | 1040 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,908 | $7,131 |
| Year 7 fee | $7,908 | $7,131 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1969 | 1998 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Edmund Rice / Christian Brothers tradition) | Catholic |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Ignatius Park College
Standout strengths
- ›Edmund Rice education tradition emphasising inclusive community, liberating education, justice/solidarity, and Gospel spirituality
- ›Continuation of Our Lady's Mount (first Catholic boys' secondary in Townsville); part of Edmund Rice Education Australia network of 38 schools
- ›Comprehensive co-curricular including rugby league, rugby union, soccer, basketball, water polo, music, debating, chess (1,000 students Years 7-12)
Catholic (Edmund Rice) boys school in Cranbrook, Townsville. Edmund Rice education tradition emphasising inclusive community, liberating education, justice/solidarity, and Gospel spirituality.
See full profile →Southern Cross Catholic College
Standout strengths
- ›Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways
- ›Catholic Earthcare / sustainability and solar program
- ›Comprehensive student wellbeing and pastoral care
Southern Cross Catholic College is a co-educational Catholic Prep-to-Year-12 college in Annandale, operated within the Townsville Catholic Education diocese. Opened in January 1998 with 70 Prep-Year 4 students, it grew to a full primary/secondary college, graduating its first Year 12 cohort in 2019, and now enrols around 1,070-1,320 students under the motto 'To Love, To Serve, To Shine'. The 2026 Years 7-12 fee is from 7,131 dollars (excluding senior subject levies), with a discount for paying in full at the start of Term 1.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Ignatius Park College or Southern Cross Catholic College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Southern Cross Catholic College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Southern Cross Catholic College is more affordable. Both are in Townsville. 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 Ignatius Park College and Southern Cross Catholic College?
Ignatius Park College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,908 (Year 7: $7,908). Southern Cross Catholic College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,131 (Year 7: $7,131). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Ignatius Park College vs Southern Cross Catholic College?
Ignatius Park College has an ICSEA score of 1030; Southern Cross Catholic College has 1040. 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, Ignatius Park College or Southern Cross Catholic College?
Ignatius Park College is the older school (founded 1969 vs 1998 for Southern Cross Catholic College).
Do Ignatius Park College or Southern Cross Catholic College offer boarding?
Ignatius Park College: Day school only. Southern Cross Catholic 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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