Head-to-head · 2026

Ignatius Park College vs Townsville Grammar School

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.

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: Ignatius Park College is Catholic (Edmund Rice); Townsville Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
  • Gender: Ignatius Park College is boys; Townsville Grammar School is co-educational.
  • Townsville Grammar School offers boarding; Ignatius Park College is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $10,068: Ignatius Park College is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 114: Townsville Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Townsville Grammar School is the older school (est. 1888 vs 1969).
  • Both schools are in Townsville, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Ignatius Park College Townsville Grammar School
City / suburbCranbrook, TownsvilleNorth Ward, Townsville
SectorCatholic (Edmund Rice)Independent (non-denominational)
Genderboysco-educational
Year levelsYear 7-12Pre-Prep-Year 12
ICSEA10301144
Year 12 fee$7,908$17,976
Year 7 fee$7,908$17,420
BoardingDay schoolYes
Founded19691888
ReligionRoman Catholic (Edmund Rice / Christian Brothers tradition)Non-denominational secular

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.

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Townsville Grammar School

Standout strengths

  • International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) for Years 11-12, one of only 18 IB schools in Queensland
  • Co-educational boarding for Years 7-12 with 120 boarders (25 international students)
  • Three junior school campuses (Annandale, North Shore, North Ward) plus Year 7-12 campus adjacent to Townsville Sports Precinct (2022)

Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in North Ward, Townsville. International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) for Years 11-12, one of only 18 IB schools in Queensland.

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Ignatius Park College or Townsville Grammar School?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Townsville Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Ignatius Park 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 Townsville Grammar School?

Ignatius Park College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,908 (Year 7: $7,908). Townsville Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,976 (Year 7: $17,420). 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 Townsville Grammar School?

Ignatius Park College has an ICSEA score of 1030; Townsville Grammar School has 1144. 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 Townsville Grammar School?

Townsville Grammar School is the older school (founded 1888 vs 1969 for Ignatius Park College).

Do Ignatius Park College or Townsville Grammar School offer boarding?

Ignatius Park College: Day school only. Townsville Grammar School: 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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