Head-to-head · 2026

Sacred Heart College Geelong vs The Geelong College

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Geelong. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 6 June 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 6 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Sacred Heart College Geelong is Catholic; The Geelong College is Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian).
  • Gender: Sacred Heart College Geelong is girls; The Geelong College is co-educational.
  • The Geelong College offers boarding; Sacred Heart College Geelong is day-only.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $33,400: Sacred Heart College Geelong is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 35: The Geelong College draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Both schools are in Geelong, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric Sacred Heart College Geelong The Geelong College
City / suburbNewtown, GeelongNewtown, Geelong
SectorCatholicUniting Church (formerly Presbyterian)
Gendergirlsco-educational
Year levelsYear 7 to Year 12ELC to Year 12
ICSEA10951130
Year 12 fee$5,140$38,540
Year 7 fee$4,615$30,172
BoardingDay schoolYes · $31,080/yr
Founded18601861
ReligionRoman Catholic (Sisters of Mercy)Uniting Church in Australia (associated, not governed)

All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

Sacred Heart College Geelong

Standout strengths

  • One of Victoria's largest Catholic secondary schools for girls (~1,420 students)
  • Sisters of Mercy heritage (founded 1860)
  • Edstart payment-plan partnership

Catholic girls school in Newtown, Geelong. One of Victoria's largest Catholic secondary schools for girls (~1,420 students)

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The Geelong College

Standout strengths

  • Heritage co-ed boarding option founded 1861
  • Strong rowing tradition (Head of the River)
  • Year 12 fees billed over three terms only

Uniting Church (formerly Presbyterian) co-educational school in Newtown, Geelong. Heritage co-ed boarding option founded 1861

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Sacred Heart College Geelong or The Geelong College?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, The Geelong College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Sacred Heart College Geelong is more affordable. Both are in Geelong. 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 Sacred Heart College Geelong and The Geelong College?

Sacred Heart College Geelong's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $5,140 (Year 7: $4,615). The Geelong College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $38,540 (Year 7: $30,172). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Sacred Heart College Geelong vs The Geelong College?

Sacred Heart College Geelong has an ICSEA score of 1095; The Geelong College has 1130. 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, Sacred Heart College Geelong or The Geelong College?

Sacred Heart College Geelong is the older school (founded 1860 vs 1861 for The Geelong College).

Do Sacred Heart College Geelong or The Geelong College offer boarding?

Sacred Heart College Geelong: Day school only. The Geelong College: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,080/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.

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