Head-to-head · 2026
Illawarra Christian School vs St Joseph's Catholic High 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: Illawarra Christian School is Independent; St Joseph's Catholic High School is Catholic systemic.
- Year 12 fees differ by $8,697: St Joseph's Catholic High School is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 74: 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 | Illawarra Christian School | St Joseph's Catholic High School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Cordeaux Heights, Wollongong | Albion Park, Wollongong |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic systemic |
| Gender | co-ed | co-ed |
| Year levels | Preschool-12 | 7-12 |
| ICSEA | 1092 | 1018 |
| Year 12 fee | $11,470 | $2,773 |
| Year 7 fee | $10,000 | $2,066 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1982 | 1982 |
| Religion | Christian (parent-controlled, non-denominational) | Catholic |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
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 →St Joseph's Catholic High School
Standout strengths
- ›Marist heritage (founding principal Br Mat Murphy, 1982)
- ›Diocese of Wollongong systemic secondary school
- ›Tiered fee structure: tuition, family/P&F levy, building levy
St Joseph's Catholic High School is a Catholic systemic co-educational secondary school (Years 7-12) in Albion Park, in the Diocese of Wollongong. Opened in 1982 with 140 students and Marist Brother Mat Murphy as founding principal (officially opened 13 March 1983), it now enrols around 730 students. ICSEA of 1018 (close to the national average) with low-fee Catholic tuition.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Illawarra Christian School or St Joseph's Catholic High School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Illawarra Christian School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Joseph's Catholic High School 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 Illawarra Christian School and St Joseph's Catholic High School?
Illawarra Christian School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $11,470 (Year 7: $10,000). St Joseph's Catholic High School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $2,773 (Year 7: $2,066). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Illawarra Christian School vs St Joseph's Catholic High School?
Illawarra Christian School has an ICSEA score of 1092; St Joseph's Catholic High School has 1018. 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, Illawarra Christian School or St Joseph's Catholic High School?
St Joseph's Catholic High School is the older school (founded 1982 vs 1982 for St Joseph's Catholic High School).
Do Illawarra Christian School or St Joseph's Catholic High School offer boarding?
Illawarra Christian School: Day school only. St Joseph's Catholic High 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.
Open calculator →