Head-to-head · 2026
Mercedes College Adelaide vs Walford Anglican School for Girls
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); Walford Anglican School for Girls is Anglican.
- Gender: Mercedes College Adelaide is co-educational; Walford Anglican School for Girls is girls.
- Walford Anglican School for Girls offers boarding; Mercedes College Adelaide is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $15,720: Mercedes College Adelaide is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 35: Walford Anglican School for Girls draws from a more advantaged community.
- Walford Anglican School for Girls is the older school (est. 1893 vs 1954).
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Mercedes College Adelaide | Walford Anglican School for Girls |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Springfield, Adelaide | Hyde Park, Adelaide |
| Sector | Catholic (Mercy) | Anglican |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | ELC-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1138 | 1173 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $13,280 | $29,000 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $11,680 | $23,300 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes |
| Founded | 1954 | 1893 |
| 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 →Walford Anglican School for Girls
Standout strengths
- ›IB Primary Years Programme in Junior School
- ›Approximately 65 boarders
- ›Sibling discounts up to 30 percent for fourth child
Anglican girls school in Hyde Park, Adelaide. IB Primary Years Programme in Junior School
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Mercedes College Adelaide or Walford Anglican School for Girls?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Walford Anglican School for Girls. 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 Walford Anglican School for Girls?
Mercedes College Adelaide's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $13,280 (Year 7: $11,680). Walford Anglican School for Girls's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $29,000 (Year 7: $23,300). 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 Walford Anglican School for Girls?
Mercedes College Adelaide has an ICSEA score of 1138; Walford Anglican School for Girls has 1173. 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 Walford Anglican School for Girls?
Walford Anglican School for Girls is the older school (founded 1893 vs 1954 for Mercedes College Adelaide).
Do Mercedes College Adelaide or Walford Anglican School for Girls offer boarding?
Mercedes College Adelaide: Day school only. Walford Anglican School for Girls: Yes.
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 →