Head-to-head · 2026
Presbyterian Ladies' College vs St Catherine's 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; St Catherine's School is Anglican.
- Gender: Presbyterian Ladies' College is girls (co-ed ELC only); St Catherine's School is girls.
- Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Presbyterian Ladies' College | St Catherine's School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Burwood, Melbourne | Toorak, Melbourne |
| Sector | Presbyterian | Anglican |
| Gender | girls (co-ed ELC only) | girls |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | ELC-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1210 | 1212 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $40,000 | $37,920 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $36,260 | $34,480 |
| Boarding | Yes · $36,788/yr | Yes · $31,800/yr |
| Founded | 1875 | 1896 |
| Religion | Presbyterian Church of Australia | Anglican Church of Australia |
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 →St Catherine's School
Standout strengths
- ›Strong VCE outcomes
- ›Toorak elite community
- ›Small boarding house with rural + international students
Anglican girls' school in Toorak, Melbourne. Founded 1896. Day + boarding.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Presbyterian Ladies' College or St Catherine's School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, St Catherine's School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Catherine's 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 St Catherine's School?
Presbyterian Ladies' College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $40,000 (Year 7: $36,260). St Catherine's School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $37,920 (Year 7: $34,480). 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 St Catherine's School?
Presbyterian Ladies' College has an ICSEA score of 1210; St Catherine's School has 1212. 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 St Catherine's School?
Presbyterian Ladies' College is the older school (founded 1875 vs 1896 for St Catherine's School).
Do Presbyterian Ladies' College or St Catherine's School offer boarding?
Presbyterian Ladies' College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $36,788/yr. St Catherine's School: 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 →