Head-to-head · 2026
Lauriston Girls' School vs Ruyton Girls' School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Melbourne. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Lauriston Girls' School is Independent (non-denominational Christian); Ruyton Girls' School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Gender: Lauriston Girls' School is girls (co-ed Kindergarten only); Ruyton Girls' School is girls.
- Year 12 fees differ by $13,380: Ruyton Girls' School is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 10: Ruyton Girls' School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Lauriston Girls' School | Ruyton Girls' School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Armadale, Melbourne | Kew, Melbourne |
| Sector | Independent (non-denominational Christian) | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | girls (co-ed Kindergarten only) | girls |
| Year levels | 3yo Kindergarten-Year 12 | ELC-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1197 | 1207 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $46,800 | $33,420 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $44,400 | $30,240 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1901 | 1878 |
| Religion | Non-denominational Christian | Non-denominational |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Lauriston Girls' School
Standout strengths
- ›Compulsory Year 9 residential at Howqua rural campus
- ›IB Diploma offered alongside VCE
- ›National-medal-winning rowing program (Head of the Yarra)
Independent girls' school in Armadale. Compulsory Year 9 residential at Howqua rural campus. IB Diploma offered alongside VCE; nationally competitive rowing program.
See full profile →Ruyton Girls' School
Standout strengths
- ›Non-denominational secular ethos
- ›Strong VCE academic outcomes
- ›Kew elite community
Independent girls' school in Kew, Melbourne. Founded 1878.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Lauriston Girls' School or Ruyton Girls' School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Ruyton Girls' School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Ruyton Girls' School is more affordable. Both are in Melbourne. 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 Lauriston Girls' School and Ruyton Girls' School?
Lauriston Girls' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $46,800 (Year 7: $44,400). Ruyton Girls' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $33,420 (Year 7: $30,240). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Lauriston Girls' School vs Ruyton Girls' School?
Lauriston Girls' School has an ICSEA score of 1197; Ruyton Girls' School has 1207. 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, Lauriston Girls' School or Ruyton Girls' School?
Ruyton Girls' School is the older school (founded 1878 vs 1901 for Lauriston Girls' School).
Do Lauriston Girls' School or Ruyton Girls' School offer boarding?
Lauriston Girls' School: Day school only. Ruyton Girls' 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.
Open calculator →