Head-to-head · 2026

SCEGGS Darlinghurst vs Sydney Grammar School

Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Sydney. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 13 May 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: SCEGGS Darlinghurst is Anglican; Sydney Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
  • Gender: SCEGGS Darlinghurst is girls; Sydney Grammar School is boys.
  • ICSEA gap of 62: Sydney Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
  • Sydney Grammar School is the older school (est. 1857 vs 1895).
  • Both schools are in Sydney, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.

Comparison

Side-by-side

Metric SCEGGS Darlinghurst Sydney Grammar School
City / suburbDarlinghurst, SydneyDarlinghurst, Sydney
SectorAnglicanIndependent (non-denominational)
Gendergirlsboys
Year levelsK-Year 12K-Year 12 (boys K-Year 12 College St; co-ed Edgecliff and St Ives Prep)
ICSEA12121274
Year 12 fee 2026$51,856$52,410
Year 7 fee 2026$48,152$52,410
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded18951857
ReligionAnglican Church of AustraliaNon-denominational secular independent (per founding Act of Parliament)

All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

SCEGGS Darlinghurst

Standout strengths

  • Consistently top-five NSW HSC ranked school
  • Inner-city campus with strong creative arts focus
  • Progressive Anglican social-justice ethos

Anglican girls school in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Consistently top-five NSW HSC ranked school

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Sydney Grammar School

Standout strengths

  • Consistently Sydney's top HSC academic results
  • Strong Classics, Latin and humanities tradition
  • GPS sport member with strong rowing and athletics

Independent (non-denominational) boys school in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Consistently Sydney's top HSC academic results

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, SCEGGS Darlinghurst or Sydney Grammar School?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Sydney Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, SCEGGS Darlinghurst is more affordable. Both are in Sydney. 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 SCEGGS Darlinghurst and Sydney Grammar School?

SCEGGS Darlinghurst's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $51,856 (Year 7: $48,152). Sydney Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $52,410 (Year 7: $52,410). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for SCEGGS Darlinghurst vs Sydney Grammar School?

SCEGGS Darlinghurst has an ICSEA score of 1212; Sydney Grammar School has 1274. 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, SCEGGS Darlinghurst or Sydney Grammar School?

Sydney Grammar School is the older school (founded 1857 vs 1895 for SCEGGS Darlinghurst).

Do SCEGGS Darlinghurst or Sydney Grammar School offer boarding?

SCEGGS Darlinghurst: Day school only. Sydney Grammar School: Day school only.

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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