Head-to-head · 2026
Pembroke School vs Saint Ignatius' College
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Adelaide. 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: Pembroke School is Independent (Non-denominational); Saint Ignatius' College is Catholic.
- Gender: Pembroke School is co-educational; Saint Ignatius' College is co-ed.
- Pembroke School offers boarding; Saint Ignatius' College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $14,233: Saint Ignatius' College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 26: Pembroke School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Pembroke School | Saint Ignatius' College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Kensington Park, Adelaide | Athelstone, Adelaide |
| Sector | Independent (Non-denominational) | Catholic |
| Gender | co-educational | co-ed |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Reception to Year 12 (Senior School Years 7-12 at Athelstone; Junior School at Norwood) |
| ICSEA | 1182 | 1156 |
| Year 12 fee | $32,601 | $18,368 |
| Year 7 fee | $29,544 | $16,267 |
| Boarding | Yes | Day school |
| Founded | 1974 | 1951 |
| Religion | Non-denominational | Catholic (Jesuit) |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published 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 →Saint Ignatius' College
Standout strengths
- ›The world's first Jesuit school to go fully co-educational (Reception to Year 12), making the change in 1996; founded by the Jesuits on their 1951 return to Adelaide
- ›Very high socio-educational advantage: ICSEA 1156, among the highest of any school in this group, with roughly 68% of students in the top SEA quarter
- ›16-hectare (40-acre) Senior School campus at Athelstone; part of the global Jesuit schools network tracing to Messina, Sicily (1548)
A co-educational Catholic Jesuit college (R-12) with its Senior School at Athelstone and Junior School at Norwood, founded 1951.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Pembroke School or Saint Ignatius' College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Pembroke School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Saint Ignatius' College 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 Saint Ignatius' College?
Pembroke School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $32,601 (Year 7: $29,544). Saint Ignatius' College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $18,368 (Year 7: $16,267). 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 Saint Ignatius' College?
Pembroke School has an ICSEA score of 1182; Saint Ignatius' College has 1156. 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 Saint Ignatius' College?
Saint Ignatius' College is the older school (founded 1951 vs 1974 for Pembroke School).
Do Pembroke School or Saint Ignatius' College offer boarding?
Pembroke School: Yes. Saint Ignatius' 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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