Head-to-head · 2026
Pembroke School vs Wilderness School
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); Wilderness School is Independent (Non-denominational Christian).
- Gender: Pembroke School is co-educational; Wilderness School is girls.
- Wilderness School is the older school (est. 1884 vs 1974).
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Pembroke School | Wilderness School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Kensington Park, Adelaide | Medindie, Adelaide |
| Sector | Independent (Non-denominational) | Independent (Non-denominational Christian) |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Reception-Year 12 (with Year 13) |
| ICSEA | 1182 | 1178 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $32,601 | $28,515 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $29,544 | on request |
| Boarding | Yes | Yes |
| Founded | 1974 | 1884 |
| Religion | Non-denominational | Non-denominational Christian |
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 →Wilderness School
Standout strengths
- ›Year 13 gap-year style program
- ›Up to 80 boarders
- ›Round Square global member school
Independent (Non-denominational Christian) girls school in Medindie, Adelaide. Year 13 gap-year style program
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Pembroke School or Wilderness School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Pembroke School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Wilderness 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 Wilderness School?
Pembroke School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $32,601 (Year 7: $29,544). Wilderness School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $28,515. 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 Wilderness School?
Pembroke School has an ICSEA score of 1182; Wilderness School has 1178. 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 Wilderness School?
Wilderness School is the older school (founded 1884 vs 1974 for Pembroke School).
Do Pembroke School or Wilderness School offer boarding?
Pembroke School: Yes. Wilderness School: Yes.
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 →