Head-to-head · 2026
Methodist Ladies' College vs Presbyterian Ladies' College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Melbourne. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Methodist Ladies' College is Uniting Church; Presbyterian Ladies' College is Presbyterian.
- Gender: Methodist Ladies' College is girls; Presbyterian Ladies' College is girls (co-ed ELC only).
- Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Methodist Ladies' College | Presbyterian Ladies' College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Kew, Melbourne | Burwood, Melbourne |
| Sector | Uniting Church | Presbyterian |
| Gender | girls | girls (co-ed ELC only) |
| Year levels | Prep-Year 12 | ELC-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1201 | 1210 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $38,240 | $40,000 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $35,280 | $36,260 |
| Boarding | Yes · $31,200/yr | Yes · $36,788/yr |
| Founded | 1882 | 1875 |
| Religion | Uniting Church in Australia | Presbyterian Church of Australia |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Methodist Ladies' College
Standout strengths
- ›Largest girls school in Australia (~2,200 students)
- ›IB Diploma alongside VCE
- ›Equestrian centre + extensive co-curricular
Uniting Church girls' school in Kew, Melbourne. Founded 1882. Largest girls' school in Australia.
See full profile →Presbyterian Ladies' College
Standout strengths
- ›Highest ICSEA in Victoria (1,210)
- ›IB Diploma authorised since 1990, offered alongside VCE
- ›Six-time consecutive Australian Schools' Chess Champions (2016-2021)
Independent girls' school in Burwood with the highest ICSEA in Victoria (1,210). IB Diploma authorised since 1990. Six-time consecutive Australian Schools' Chess Champions.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Methodist Ladies' College or Presbyterian Ladies' College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Presbyterian Ladies' College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Methodist Ladies' College is more affordable. Both are in Melbourne. 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 Methodist Ladies' College and Presbyterian Ladies' College?
Methodist Ladies' College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $38,240 (Year 7: $35,280). Presbyterian Ladies' College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $40,000 (Year 7: $36,260). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Methodist Ladies' College vs Presbyterian Ladies' College?
Methodist Ladies' College has an ICSEA score of 1201; Presbyterian Ladies' College has 1210. 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, Methodist Ladies' College or Presbyterian Ladies' College?
Presbyterian Ladies' College is the older school (founded 1875 vs 1882 for Methodist Ladies' College).
Do Methodist Ladies' College or Presbyterian Ladies' College offer boarding?
Methodist Ladies' College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,200/yr. Presbyterian Ladies' College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $36,788/yr.
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 →