Head-to-head · 2026
Presbyterian 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: Presbyterian Ladies' College is Presbyterian; Ruyton Girls' School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Gender: Presbyterian Ladies' College is girls (co-ed ELC only); Ruyton Girls' School is girls.
- Presbyterian Ladies' College offers boarding; Ruyton Girls' School is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $6,580: Ruyton Girls' School is more affordable.
- Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Presbyterian Ladies' College | Ruyton Girls' School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Burwood, Melbourne | Kew, Melbourne |
| Sector | Presbyterian | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | girls (co-ed ELC only) | girls |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | ELC-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1210 | 1207 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $40,000 | $33,420 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $36,260 | $30,240 |
| Boarding | Yes · $36,788/yr | Day school |
| Founded | 1875 | 1878 |
| Religion | Presbyterian Church of Australia | Non-denominational |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Presbyterian Ladies' College
Standout strengths
- ›Highest ICSEA in Victoria (1,210)
- ›IB Diploma authorised since 1990, offered alongside VCE
- ›Six-time consecutive Australian Schools' Chess Champions (2016-2021)
Independent girls' school in Burwood with the highest ICSEA in Victoria (1,210). IB Diploma authorised since 1990. Six-time consecutive Australian Schools' Chess Champions.
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, Presbyterian Ladies' College or Ruyton Girls' School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Presbyterian Ladies' College. 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 Presbyterian Ladies' College and Ruyton Girls' School?
Presbyterian Ladies' College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $40,000 (Year 7: $36,260). 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 Presbyterian Ladies' College vs Ruyton Girls' School?
Presbyterian Ladies' College has an ICSEA score of 1210; 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, Presbyterian Ladies' College or Ruyton Girls' School?
Presbyterian Ladies' College is the older school (founded 1875 vs 1878 for Ruyton Girls' School).
Do Presbyterian Ladies' College or Ruyton Girls' School offer boarding?
Presbyterian Ladies' College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $36,788/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 →