Head-to-head · 2026
Presbyterian Ladies' College vs Scotch College
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
- Gender: Presbyterian Ladies' College is girls (co-ed ELC only); Scotch College is boys.
- Year 12 fees differ by $7,877: Presbyterian Ladies' College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 17: Presbyterian Ladies' College draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Presbyterian Ladies' College | Scotch College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Burwood, Melbourne | Hawthorn, Melbourne |
| Sector | Presbyterian | Presbyterian |
| Gender | girls (co-ed ELC only) | boys |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Prep-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1210 | 1193 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $40,000 | $47,877 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $36,260 | $46,056 |
| Boarding | Yes · $36,788/yr | Yes |
| Founded | 1875 | 1851 |
| Religion | Presbyterian Church of Australia | Presbyterian/Uniting Church heritage |
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 →Scotch College
Standout strengths
- ›Australia's oldest secondary school (est. 1851)
- ›Elite APS sport across cricket, football and rowing
- ›National boarding house of approximately 160 students
Australia's oldest secondary school. Presbyterian boys' school in Hawthorn with elite rowing and APS sport tradition. Boarding house draws students nationally and internationally.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Presbyterian Ladies' College or Scotch College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Presbyterian Ladies' College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Presbyterian Ladies' College 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 Scotch College?
Presbyterian Ladies' College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $40,000 (Year 7: $36,260). Scotch College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $47,877 (Year 7: $46,056). 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 Scotch College?
Presbyterian Ladies' College has an ICSEA score of 1210; Scotch College has 1193. 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 Scotch College?
Scotch College is the older school (founded 1851 vs 1875 for Presbyterian Ladies' College).
Do Presbyterian Ladies' College or Scotch College offer boarding?
Presbyterian Ladies' College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $36,788/yr. Scotch College: 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 →