Head-to-head · 2026
Mercedes College Adelaide vs Wilderness 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); Wilderness School is Independent (Non-denominational Christian).
- Gender: Mercedes College Adelaide is co-educational; Wilderness School is girls.
- Wilderness School offers boarding; Mercedes College Adelaide is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $15,235: Mercedes College Adelaide is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 40: Wilderness School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Wilderness School is the older school (est. 1884 vs 1954).
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Mercedes College Adelaide | Wilderness School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Springfield, Adelaide | Medindie, Adelaide |
| Sector | Catholic (Mercy) | Independent (Non-denominational Christian) |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Reception-Year 12 (with Year 13) |
| ICSEA | 1138 | 1178 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $13,280 | $28,515 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $11,680 | on request |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes |
| Founded | 1954 | 1884 |
| Religion | Roman Catholic (Mercy Sisters) | Non-denominational Christian |
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 →Wilderness School
Standout strengths
- ›Year 13 gap-year style program
- ›Up to 80 boarders
- ›Round Square global member school
Independent (Non-denominational Christian) girls school in Medindie, Adelaide. Year 13 gap-year style program
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Mercedes College Adelaide or Wilderness School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Wilderness 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 Wilderness School?
Mercedes College Adelaide's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $13,280 (Year 7: $11,680). Wilderness School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $28,515. 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 Wilderness School?
Mercedes College Adelaide has an ICSEA score of 1138; Wilderness School has 1178. 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 Wilderness School?
Wilderness School is the older school (founded 1884 vs 1954 for Mercedes College Adelaide).
Do Mercedes College Adelaide or Wilderness School offer boarding?
Mercedes College Adelaide: Day school only. Wilderness School: 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 →