Head-to-head · 2026
Merici College vs Radford College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Canberra. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 6 June 2026.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Merici College is Catholic; Radford College is Anglican.
- Gender: Merici College is girls; Radford College is co-educational.
- Year 12 fees differ by $18,327: Merici College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 83: Radford College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Canberra, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Merici College | Radford College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Braddon, Canberra | Bruce, Canberra |
| Sector | Catholic | Anglican |
| Gender | girls | co-educational |
| Year levels | 7-12 | Pre-K-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1101 | 1184 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,623 | $25,950 |
| Year 7 fee | $6,116 | $25,050 |
| Boarding | Day school | Day school |
| Founded | 1959 | 1984 |
| Religion | Catholic | Anglican Church of Australia |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Merici College
Standout strengths
- ›Authorised IB World School offering both the Middle Years Programme (MYP) and the Diploma Programme (DP) - one of very few ACT schools running the full IB pathway alongside the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate
- ›Canberra's oldest Catholic girls' school (founded 1959 as Canberra Catholic Girls' High School), established as an archdiocesan college staffed by six religious congregations and named for St Angela Merici, foundress of the Ursulines
- ›Catholic systemic college, so day tuition is very low (Year 12 about $7,623/yr) with the same five-college sibling-discount structure
Merici College is a Catholic systemic girls' college (Years 7-12) in Braddon, inner-north Canberra. Founded in 1959, it is Canberra's oldest Catholic girls' school and an authorised IB World School (MYP and Diploma Programme). ICSEA 1101, around 680 students. Year 12 day tuition is about $7,623 a year (billed over three terms); total annual Year 12 fees including levies are about $15,932 plus a $625 facilities levy.
See full profile →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
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Merici College or Radford College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Radford College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Merici College 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 Merici College and Radford College?
Merici College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,623 (Year 7: $6,116). 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 Merici College vs Radford College?
Merici College has an ICSEA score of 1101; 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, Merici College or Radford College?
Merici College is the older school (founded 1959 vs 1984 for Radford College).
Do Merici College or Radford College offer boarding?
Merici College: 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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