Head-to-head · 2026
Ignatius Park College vs St Patrick's College Townsville
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); St Patrick's College Townsville is Catholic (Mercy tradition).
- Gender: Ignatius Park College is boys; St Patrick's College Townsville is girls.
- St Patrick's College Townsville offers boarding; Ignatius Park College is day-only.
- ICSEA gap of 80: Ignatius Park College draws from a more advantaged community.
- St Patrick's College Townsville is the older school (est. 1878 vs 1969).
- Both schools are in Townsville, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Ignatius Park College | St Patrick's College Townsville |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Cranbrook, Townsville | Townsville, Townsville |
| Sector | Catholic (Edmund Rice) | Catholic (Mercy tradition) |
| Gender | boys | girls |
| Year levels | Year 7-12 | Year 7-12 |
| ICSEA | 1030 | 950 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,908 | $6,450 |
| Year 7 fee | $7,908 | $6,150 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes |
| Founded | 1969 | 1878 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Edmund Rice / Christian Brothers tradition) | Roman Catholic (Sisters of Mercy tradition) |
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 →St Patrick's College Townsville
Standout strengths
- ›Oceanfront Strand campus with state-of-the-art facilities (East Precinct opened 2020 by award-winning M3 Architecture)
- ›Catholic day and boarding school in Mercy tradition; boarding with air-conditioned single and multi-dorm facilities
- ›Combined Schools' Musical harnesses talent across three Townsville Catholic colleges
Catholic (Mercy tradition) girls school in Townsville, Townsville. Oceanfront Strand campus with state-of-the-art facilities (East Precinct opened 2020 by award-winning M3 Architecture).
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Ignatius Park College or St Patrick's College Townsville?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Ignatius Park College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Patrick's College Townsville 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 St Patrick's College Townsville?
Ignatius Park College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,908 (Year 7: $7,908). St Patrick's College Townsville's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $6,450 (Year 7: $6,150). 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 St Patrick's College Townsville?
Ignatius Park College has an ICSEA score of 1030; St Patrick's College Townsville has 950. 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 St Patrick's College Townsville?
St Patrick's College Townsville is the older school (founded 1878 vs 1969 for Ignatius Park College).
Do Ignatius Park College or St Patrick's College Townsville offer boarding?
Ignatius Park College: Day school only. St Patrick's College Townsville: Yes.
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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