Head-to-head · 2026
Kinross Wolaroi School vs The Armidale School
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
- Sector: Kinross Wolaroi School is Uniting Church; The Armidale School is Anglican.
- Year 12 fees differ by $9,360: Kinross Wolaroi School is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 22: The Armidale School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Newcastle, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Kinross Wolaroi School | The Armidale School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Orange, Newcastle | Armidale, Newcastle |
| Sector | Uniting Church | Anglican |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | K-Year 12 | K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1125 | 1147 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $25,920 | $35,280 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $22,980 | $30,820 |
| Boarding | Yes · $38,400/yr | Yes · $39,800/yr |
| Founded | 1886 | 1894 |
| Religion | Uniting Church in Australia | Anglican Church of 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 →The Armidale School
Standout strengths
- ›New England regional boarding tradition
- ›Strong agriculture + outdoor education programs
- ›University of New England partnership
Anglican co-educational boarding school in Armidale, regional NSW. Founded 1894.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Kinross Wolaroi School or The Armidale School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Armidale School. 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 The Armidale School?
Kinross Wolaroi School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $25,920 (Year 7: $22,980). The Armidale School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $35,280 (Year 7: $30,820). 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 The Armidale School?
Kinross Wolaroi School has an ICSEA score of 1125; The Armidale School has 1147. 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 The Armidale School?
Kinross Wolaroi School is the older school (founded 1886 vs 1894 for The Armidale School).
Do Kinross Wolaroi School or The Armidale School offer boarding?
Kinross Wolaroi School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $38,400/yr. The Armidale School: 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 →