Head-to-head · 2026

Pacific Lutheran College vs Sunshine Coast Grammar School

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Sunshine Coast. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 11 June 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 11 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Pacific Lutheran College is Lutheran; Sunshine Coast Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
  • ICSEA gap of 29: Sunshine Coast Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Both schools are in Sunshine Coast, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Pacific Lutheran College Sunshine Coast Grammar School
City / suburbMeridan Plains, Sunshine CoastForest Glen, Sunshine Coast
SectorLutheranIndependent (non-denominational)
Genderco-educationalco-educational
Year levelsKindergarten-Year 12Prep-Year 12
ICSEA11021131
Year 12 fee$11,960$15,832
Year 7 fee$10,040$15,832
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded20011997
ReligionLutheran Church of AustraliaChristian (non-denominational)

All fees verified 11 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Pacific Lutheran College

Standout strengths

  • Newest major Lutheran school on Sunshine Coast (est. 2001)
  • Four-section structure: Foundation (P-2), Junior (3-5), Middle (6-9), Senior (10-12)
  • Harvard Teaching for Understanding framework integrated into curriculum

Lutheran co-educational school in Meridan Plains, Sunshine Coast. Newest major Lutheran school on Sunshine Coast (est. 2001).

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Sunshine Coast Grammar School

Standout strengths

  • 100-acre forest campus with co-educational excellence
  • Strong academic results with top-10 Queensland standing
  • Extensive co-curricular music, drama and sport programs

Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in Forest Glen, Sunshine Coast. 100-acre forest campus with co-educational excellence.

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Pacific Lutheran College or Sunshine Coast Grammar School?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Sunshine Coast Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Pacific Lutheran College is more affordable. Both are in Sunshine Coast. 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 Pacific Lutheran College and Sunshine Coast Grammar School?

Pacific Lutheran College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $11,960 (Year 7: $10,040). Sunshine Coast Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $15,832 (Year 7: $15,832). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Pacific Lutheran College vs Sunshine Coast Grammar School?

Pacific Lutheran College has an ICSEA score of 1102; Sunshine Coast Grammar School has 1131. 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, Pacific Lutheran College or Sunshine Coast Grammar School?

Sunshine Coast Grammar School is the older school (founded 1997 vs 2001 for Pacific Lutheran College).

Do Pacific Lutheran College or Sunshine Coast Grammar School offer boarding?

Pacific Lutheran College: Day school only. Sunshine Coast Grammar 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.

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