Head-to-head · 2026

Marist College Canberra vs Radford College

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Canberra. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 13 May 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Marist College Canberra is Catholic; Radford College is Anglican.
  • Gender: Marist College Canberra is boys; Radford College is co-educational.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $10,946: Marist College Canberra is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 52: Radford College draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Both schools are in Canberra, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Marist College Canberra Radford College
City / suburbPearce, CanberraBruce, Canberra
SectorCatholicAnglican
Genderboysco-educational
Year levelsYear 4-Year 12Pre-K-Year 12
ICSEA11321184
Year 12 fee 2026$15,004$25,950
Year 7 fee 2026$13,014$25,050
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded19681984
ReligionRoman Catholic (Marist)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).

Marist College Canberra

Standout strengths

  • Marist Brothers tradition of holistic education
  • Strong rugby and cricket programs
  • Member of Associated Southern Colleges

Catholic boys school in Pearce, Canberra. Marist Brothers tradition of holistic education

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Radford College

Standout strengths

  • IB Diploma alongside ACT BSSS pathway
  • Round Square member school
  • Largest enrolment in ACT independent sector (2,100+)

Anglican co-educational school in Bruce, Canberra. IB Diploma alongside ACT BSSS pathway

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Marist College Canberra or Radford College?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Radford College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Marist College Canberra is more affordable. Both are in Canberra. 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 Marist College Canberra and Radford College?

Marist College Canberra's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $15,004 (Year 7: $13,014). Radford College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $25,950 (Year 7: $25,050). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Marist College Canberra vs Radford College?

Marist College Canberra has an ICSEA score of 1132; Radford College has 1184. 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, Marist College Canberra or Radford College?

Marist College Canberra is the older school (founded 1968 vs 1984 for Radford College).

Do Marist College Canberra or Radford College offer boarding?

Marist College Canberra: Day school only. Radford 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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