Head-to-head · 2026

Lakes Grammar vs St Edward's College

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

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At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Lakes Grammar is Anglican (Independent); St Edward's College is Catholic (Edmund Rice).
  • Gender: Lakes Grammar is co-educational; St Edward's College is boys.
  • St Edward's College is the older school (est. 1953 vs 2004).
  • Both schools are in Central Coast, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Lakes Grammar St Edward's College
City / suburbWarnervale, Central CoastEast Gosford, Central Coast
SectorAnglican (Independent)Catholic (Edmund Rice)
Genderco-educationalboys
Year levelsKindergarten-Year 12Year 5-Year 12
ICSEA10601066
Year 12 fee$9,399$9,810
Year 7 fee$8,448$8,260
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded20041953
ReligionAnglican (Church of England); ecumenical ChristianRoman Catholic (Edmund Rice tradition)

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

Lakes Grammar

Standout strengths

  • 11-hectare campus with Junior School (K-6) and Senior School (7-12)
  • Sport, Creative & Performing Arts (CAPA), and Cognito programs; college-based wellbeing system
  • 900+ students; progressive Christian foundation welcoming all faiths

Anglican (Independent) co-educational school in Warnervale, Central Coast. 11-hectare campus with Junior School (K-6) and Senior School (7-12).

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St Edward's College

Standout strengths

  • Trade Training Programs: hospitality, construction, metal fabrication workshops
  • Football Academy and Mock Trial programs
  • The Bungaree Indigenous education pathway and Waterford Service Learning program

Catholic (Edmund Rice) boys school in East Gosford, Central Coast. Trade Training Programs: hospitality, construction, metal fabrication workshops.

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Lakes Grammar or St Edward's College?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, St Edward's College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Lakes Grammar is more affordable. Both are in Central Coast. 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 Lakes Grammar and St Edward's College?

Lakes Grammar's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $9,399 (Year 7: $8,448). St Edward's College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $9,810 (Year 7: $8,260). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Lakes Grammar vs St Edward's College?

Lakes Grammar has an ICSEA score of 1060; St Edward's College has 1066. 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, Lakes Grammar or St Edward's College?

St Edward's College is the older school (founded 1953 vs 2004 for Lakes Grammar).

Do Lakes Grammar or St Edward's College offer boarding?

Lakes Grammar: Day school only. St Edward's College: 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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