Head-to-head · 2026
Illawarra Christian School vs St Mary Star of the Sea College
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 Mary Star of the Sea College is Catholic.
- Gender: Illawarra Christian School is co-ed; St Mary Star of the Sea College is girls.
- St Mary Star of the Sea College is the older school (est. 1873 vs 1982).
- Both schools are in Wollongong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Illawarra Christian School | St Mary Star of the Sea College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Cordeaux Heights, Wollongong | Wollongong, Wollongong |
| Sector | Independent | Catholic |
| Gender | co-ed | girls |
| Year levels | Preschool-12 | Year 7 to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1092 | 1093 |
| Year 12 fee | $11,470 | $10,803 |
| Year 7 fee | $10,000 | $8,532 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1982 | 1873 |
| Religion | Christian (parent-controlled, non-denominational) | Roman Catholic (Sisters of the Good Samaritan tradition) |
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 Mary Star of the Sea College
Standout strengths
- ›150+ year heritage; founded 1873 by Sisters of the Good Samaritan
- ›Largest Catholic girls' college in the Illawarra
- ›Strong VET, music and creative arts program
Catholic girls school in Wollongong, Wollongong. 150+ year heritage; founded 1873 by Sisters of the Good Samaritan
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Illawarra Christian School or St Mary Star of the Sea College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, St Mary Star of the Sea College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Mary Star of the Sea College 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 Mary Star of the Sea College?
Illawarra Christian School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $11,470 (Year 7: $10,000). St Mary Star of the Sea College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $10,803 (Year 7: $8,532). 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 Mary Star of the Sea College?
Illawarra Christian School has an ICSEA score of 1092; St Mary Star of the Sea College has 1093. 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 Mary Star of the Sea College?
St Mary Star of the Sea College is the older school (founded 1873 vs 1982 for Illawarra Christian School).
Do Illawarra Christian School or St Mary Star of the Sea College offer boarding?
Illawarra Christian School: Day school only. St Mary Star of the Sea 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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