Head-to-head · 2026
Illawarra Christian School vs The Illawarra Grammar 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; The Illawarra Grammar School is Anglican.
- Gender: Illawarra Christian School is co-ed; The Illawarra Grammar School is co-educational.
- Year 12 fees differ by $16,420: Illawarra Christian School is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 59: The Illawarra Grammar 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 | The Illawarra Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Cordeaux Heights, Wollongong | Mangerton, Wollongong |
| Sector | Independent | Anglican |
| Gender | co-ed | co-educational |
| Year levels | Preschool-12 | ELC to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1092 | 1151 |
| Year 12 fee | $11,470 | $27,890 |
| Year 7 fee | $10,000 | $24,850 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1982 | 1959 |
| Religion | Christian (parent-controlled, non-denominational) | Anglican Church of Australia |
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 →The Illawarra Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›Wollongong's flagship independent Anglican K-12 school
- ›Strong academic results; private bus network across Illawarra
- ›$300 prompt-payment discount per student
Anglican co-educational school in Mangerton, Wollongong. Wollongong's flagship independent Anglican K-12 school
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Illawarra Christian School or The Illawarra Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Illawarra Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Illawarra Christian 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 The Illawarra Grammar School?
Illawarra Christian School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $11,470 (Year 7: $10,000). The Illawarra Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $27,890 (Year 7: $24,850). 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 The Illawarra Grammar School?
Illawarra Christian School has an ICSEA score of 1092; The Illawarra Grammar School has 1151. 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 The Illawarra Grammar School?
The Illawarra Grammar School is the older school (founded 1959 vs 1982 for Illawarra Christian School).
Do Illawarra Christian School or The Illawarra Grammar School offer boarding?
Illawarra Christian School: Day school only. The Illawarra Grammar 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.
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