Head-to-head · 2026

Kardinia International College vs Sacred Heart College Geelong

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Geelong. 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

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Kardinia International College is Independent (secular); Sacred Heart College Geelong is Catholic.
  • Gender: Kardinia International College is co-educational; Sacred Heart College Geelong is girls.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $12,747: Sacred Heart College Geelong is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 24: Kardinia International College draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Sacred Heart College Geelong is the older school (est. 1860 vs 1996).
  • Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Kardinia International College Sacred Heart College Geelong
City / suburbBell Post Hill, GeelongNewtown, Geelong
SectorIndependent (secular)Catholic
Genderco-educationalgirls
Year levelsELC to Year 12Year 7 to Year 12
ICSEA11191095
Year 12 fee$17,887$5,140
Year 7 fee$13,947$4,615
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded19961860
ReligionNon-denominational/secularRoman Catholic (Sisters of Mercy)

All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Kardinia International College

Standout strengths

  • IB World School: Primary Years Programme + IB Diploma alongside VCE
  • Three campuses with school bus included in fees
  • More educationally advantaged than 96% of Australian schools

Independent (secular) co-educational school in Bell Post Hill, Geelong. IB World School: Primary Years Programme + IB Diploma alongside VCE

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Sacred Heart College Geelong

Standout strengths

  • One of Victoria's largest Catholic secondary schools for girls (~1,420 students)
  • Sisters of Mercy heritage (founded 1860)
  • Edstart payment-plan partnership

Catholic girls school in Newtown, Geelong. One of Victoria's largest Catholic secondary schools for girls (~1,420 students)

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Kardinia International College or Sacred Heart College Geelong?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Kardinia International College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Sacred Heart College Geelong is more affordable. Both are in Geelong. 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 Kardinia International College and Sacred Heart College Geelong?

Kardinia International College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,887 (Year 7: $13,947). Sacred Heart College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $5,140 (Year 7: $4,615). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Kardinia International College vs Sacred Heart College Geelong?

Kardinia International College has an ICSEA score of 1119; Sacred Heart College Geelong has 1095. 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, Kardinia International College or Sacred Heart College Geelong?

Sacred Heart College Geelong is the older school (founded 1860 vs 1996 for Kardinia International College).

Do Kardinia International College or Sacred Heart College Geelong offer boarding?

Kardinia International College: Day school only. Sacred Heart College Geelong: 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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