Head-to-head · 2026
Mercedes College Adelaide vs Pulteney Grammar School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Adelaide. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Mercedes College Adelaide is Catholic (Mercy); Pulteney Grammar School is Anglican.
- Year 12 fees differ by $19,794: Mercedes College Adelaide is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 20: Pulteney Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Pulteney Grammar School is the older school (est. 1847 vs 1954).
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Mercedes College Adelaide | Pulteney Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Springfield, Adelaide | Adelaide CBD, Adelaide |
| Sector | Catholic (Mercy) | Anglican |
| Gender | co-educational | co-educational |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Reception-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1138 | 1158 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $13,280 | $33,074 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $11,680 | $28,432 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1954 | 1847 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Mercy Sisters) | 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).
Mercedes College Adelaide
Standout strengths
- ›IB Diploma alongside SACE
- ›Mercy Sisters Catherine McAuley tradition
- ›Lower-fee Catholic co-ed
Catholic Mercy Sisters co-educational school in Springfield, Adelaide. Founded 1954.
See full profile →Pulteney Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›Kurrajong outdoor education centre at Mount Compass
- ›One Degree extension program for senior students
- ›City-edge campus on South Terrace
Anglican co-educational school in Adelaide CBD, Adelaide. Kurrajong outdoor education centre at Mount Compass
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Mercedes College Adelaide or Pulteney Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Pulteney Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Mercedes College Adelaide is more affordable. Both are in Adelaide. 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 Mercedes College Adelaide and Pulteney Grammar School?
Mercedes College Adelaide's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $13,280 (Year 7: $11,680). Pulteney Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $33,074 (Year 7: $28,432). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Mercedes College Adelaide vs Pulteney Grammar School?
Mercedes College Adelaide has an ICSEA score of 1138; Pulteney Grammar School has 1158. 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, Mercedes College Adelaide or Pulteney Grammar School?
Pulteney Grammar School is the older school (founded 1847 vs 1954 for Mercedes College Adelaide).
Do Mercedes College Adelaide or Pulteney Grammar School offer boarding?
Mercedes College Adelaide: Day school only. Pulteney 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.
Open calculator →