Head-to-head · 2026
Prince Alfred College 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: Prince Alfred College is Uniting Church; Wilderness School is Independent (Non-denominational Christian).
- Gender: Prince Alfred College is boys; Wilderness School is girls.
- ICSEA gap of 34: Wilderness School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Prince Alfred College | Wilderness School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Kent Town, Adelaide | Medindie, Adelaide |
| Sector | Uniting Church | Independent (Non-denominational Christian) |
| Gender | boys | girls |
| Year levels | Reception-Year 12 | Reception-Year 12 (with Year 13) |
| ICSEA | 1144 | 1178 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $32,640 | $28,515 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $30,630 | on request |
| Boarding | Yes · $31,800/yr | Yes |
| Founded | 1867 | 1884 |
| Religion | Uniting Church in Australia | Non-denominational Christian |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Prince Alfred College
Standout strengths
- ›Strong sporting heritage in cricket and AFL
- ›Da Vinci Decathlon and Round Square international program
- ›Boarding from Year 5
Uniting Church boys school in Kent Town, Adelaide. Strong sporting heritage in cricket and AFL
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, Prince Alfred College or Wilderness School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Wilderness 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 Prince Alfred College and Wilderness School?
Prince Alfred College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $32,640 (Year 7: $30,630). 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 Prince Alfred College vs Wilderness School?
Prince Alfred College has an ICSEA score of 1144; 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, Prince Alfred College or Wilderness School?
Prince Alfred College is the older school (founded 1867 vs 1884 for Wilderness School).
Do Prince Alfred College or Wilderness School offer boarding?
Prince Alfred College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,800/yr. 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 →