Head-to-head · 2026
Knox Grammar School vs Sydney Grammar School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Sydney. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 11 June 2026.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Knox Grammar School is Uniting Church; Sydney Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Knox Grammar School offers boarding; Sydney Grammar School is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $7,290: Knox Grammar School is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 87: Sydney Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Sydney Grammar School is the older school (est. 1857 vs 1924).
- Both schools are in Sydney, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Knox Grammar School | Sydney Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Wahroonga, Sydney | Darlinghurst, Sydney |
| Sector | Uniting Church | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | boys | boys |
| Year levels | Pre-K to Year 12 | K-Year 12 (boys K-Year 12 College St; co-ed Edgecliff and St Ives Prep) |
| ICSEA | 1187 | 1274 |
| Year 12 fee | $45,120 | $52,410 |
| Year 7 fee | $42,640 | $52,410 |
| Boarding | Yes | Day school |
| Founded | 1924 | 1857 |
| Religion | Uniting Church (originally Presbyterian); Christian values-based | Non-denominational secular independent (per founding Act of Parliament) |
All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Knox Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›Largest GPS boys' school with broad co-curricular program
- ›Strong rugby, rowing and athletics
- ›Wellbeing-led 'Total Boy' framework
Uniting Church boys school in Wahroonga, Sydney. Largest GPS boys' school with broad co-curricular program
See full profile →Sydney Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›Consistently Sydney's top HSC academic results
- ›Strong Classics, Latin and humanities tradition
- ›GPS sport member with strong rowing and athletics
Independent (non-denominational) boys school in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Consistently Sydney's top HSC academic results
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Knox Grammar School or Sydney Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Sydney Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Knox Grammar School is more affordable. Both are in Sydney. 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 Knox Grammar School and Sydney Grammar School?
Knox Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $45,120 (Year 7: $42,640). Sydney Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $52,410 (Year 7: $52,410). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Knox Grammar School vs Sydney Grammar School?
Knox Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1187; Sydney Grammar School has 1274. 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, Knox Grammar School or Sydney Grammar School?
Sydney Grammar School is the older school (founded 1857 vs 1924 for Knox Grammar School).
Do Knox Grammar School or Sydney Grammar School offer boarding?
Knox Grammar School: Yes. Sydney 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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