Head-to-head · 2026
Methodist Ladies' College vs Ruyton Girls' School
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; Ruyton Girls' School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Methodist Ladies' College offers boarding; Ruyton Girls' School is day-only.
- Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Methodist Ladies' College | Ruyton Girls' School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Kew, Melbourne | Kew, Melbourne |
| Sector | Uniting Church | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | girls | girls |
| Year levels | Prep-Year 12 | ELC-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1201 | 1207 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $38,240 | $33,420 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $35,280 | $30,240 |
| Boarding | Yes · $31,200/yr | Day school |
| Founded | 1882 | 1878 |
| Religion | Uniting Church in Australia | Non-denominational |
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 →Ruyton Girls' School
Standout strengths
- ›Non-denominational secular ethos
- ›Strong VCE academic outcomes
- ›Kew elite community
Independent girls' school in Kew, Melbourne. Founded 1878.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Methodist Ladies' College or Ruyton Girls' School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Ruyton Girls' School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Ruyton Girls' School 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 Ruyton Girls' School?
Methodist Ladies' College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $38,240 (Year 7: $35,280). Ruyton Girls' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $33,420 (Year 7: $30,240). 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 Ruyton Girls' School?
Methodist Ladies' College has an ICSEA score of 1201; Ruyton Girls' School has 1207. 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 Ruyton Girls' School?
Ruyton Girls' School is the older school (founded 1878 vs 1882 for Methodist Ladies' College).
Do Methodist Ladies' College or Ruyton Girls' School offer boarding?
Methodist Ladies' College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,200/yr. Ruyton Girls' 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 →