Head-to-head · 2026
Ruyton Girls' School 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
- Sector: Ruyton Girls' School is Independent (non-denominational); Scotch College is Presbyterian.
- Gender: Ruyton Girls' School is girls; Scotch College is boys.
- Scotch College offers boarding; Ruyton Girls' School is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $14,457: Ruyton Girls' School is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 14: Ruyton Girls' School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Melbourne, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Ruyton Girls' School | Scotch College |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Kew, Melbourne | Hawthorn, Melbourne |
| Sector | Independent (non-denominational) | Presbyterian |
| Gender | girls | boys |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Prep-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1207 | 1193 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $33,420 | $47,877 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $30,240 | $46,056 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes |
| Founded | 1878 | 1851 |
| Religion | Non-denominational | 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).
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 →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, Ruyton Girls' School or Scotch College?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Ruyton Girls' School. 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 Ruyton Girls' School and Scotch College?
Ruyton Girls' School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $33,420 (Year 7: $30,240). 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 Ruyton Girls' School vs Scotch College?
Ruyton Girls' School has an ICSEA score of 1207; 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, Ruyton Girls' School or Scotch College?
Scotch College is the older school (founded 1851 vs 1878 for Ruyton Girls' School).
Do Ruyton Girls' School or Scotch College offer boarding?
Ruyton Girls' School: Day school only. 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 →