Head-to-head · 2026
Pembroke School vs Prince Alfred College
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: Pembroke School is Independent (Non-denominational); Prince Alfred College is Uniting Church.
- Gender: Pembroke School is co-educational; Prince Alfred College is boys.
- ICSEA gap of 38: Pembroke School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Prince Alfred College is the older school (est. 1867 vs 1974).
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Pembroke School | Prince Alfred College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Kensington Park, Adelaide | Kent Town, Adelaide |
| Sector | Independent (Non-denominational) | Uniting Church |
| Gender | co-educational | boys |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Reception-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1182 | 1144 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $32,601 | $32,640 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $29,544 | $30,630 |
| Boarding | Yes | Yes · $31,800/yr |
| Founded | 1974 | 1867 |
| Religion | Non-denominational | Uniting Church in Australia |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Pembroke School
Standout strengths
- ›IB Diploma alongside SACE pathway
- ›Hearing Unit for hearing-impaired students
- ›Up to 125 boarders Years 7-12
Independent (Non-denominational) co-educational school in Kensington Park, Adelaide. IB Diploma alongside SACE pathway
See full profile →Prince Alfred College
Standout strengths
- ›Strong sporting heritage in cricket and AFL
- ›Da Vinci Decathlon and Round Square international program
- ›Boarding from Year 5
Uniting Church boys school in Kent Town, Adelaide. Strong sporting heritage in cricket and AFL
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Pembroke School or Prince Alfred College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Pembroke School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Pembroke School 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 Pembroke School and Prince Alfred College?
Pembroke School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $32,601 (Year 7: $29,544). Prince Alfred College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $32,640 (Year 7: $30,630). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Pembroke School vs Prince Alfred College?
Pembroke School has an ICSEA score of 1182; Prince Alfred College has 1144. 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, Pembroke School or Prince Alfred College?
Prince Alfred College is the older school (founded 1867 vs 1974 for Pembroke School).
Do Pembroke School or Prince Alfred College offer boarding?
Pembroke School: Yes. Prince Alfred College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,800/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 →