Head-to-head · 2026
Kinross Wolaroi School vs PLC Armidale
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Newcastle. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Gender: Kinross Wolaroi School is co-educational; PLC Armidale is girls.
- Both schools are in Newcastle, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Kinross Wolaroi School | PLC Armidale |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Orange, Newcastle | Armidale, Newcastle |
| Sector | Uniting Church | Uniting Church |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | K-Year 12 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1125 | 1126 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $25,920 | $28,280 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $22,980 | $25,420 |
| Boarding | Yes · $38,400/yr | Yes · $39,800/yr |
| Founded | 1886 | 1887 |
| Religion | Uniting Church in Australia | Uniting Church in Australia |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Kinross Wolaroi School
Standout strengths
- ›Central west NSW Uniting Church boarding
- ›Strong rowing on Lake Canobolas
- ›Equestrian + agriculture programs
Uniting Church co-educational school in Orange, regional NSW. Founded 1886. Day + boarding.
See full profile →PLC Armidale
Standout strengths
- ›Regional NSW girls boarding
- ›Strong equestrian + agriculture programs
- ›PLC Sydney sister school
Uniting Church girls' school in Armidale, regional NSW. Founded 1887. Sister to Sydney PLC.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Kinross Wolaroi School or PLC Armidale?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, PLC Armidale. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Kinross Wolaroi School is more affordable. Both are in Newcastle. 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 Kinross Wolaroi School and PLC Armidale?
Kinross Wolaroi School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $25,920 (Year 7: $22,980). PLC Armidale's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $28,280 (Year 7: $25,420). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Kinross Wolaroi School vs PLC Armidale?
Kinross Wolaroi School has an ICSEA score of 1125; PLC Armidale has 1126. 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, Kinross Wolaroi School or PLC Armidale?
Kinross Wolaroi School is the older school (founded 1886 vs 1887 for PLC Armidale).
Do Kinross Wolaroi School or PLC Armidale offer boarding?
Kinross Wolaroi School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $38,400/yr. PLC Armidale: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $39,800/yr.
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 →