Head-to-head · 2026
Scotch College vs Sydney Grammar School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Melbourne vs Sydney. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 30 May 2026.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Scotch College is Presbyterian; Sydney Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Scotch College offers boarding; Sydney Grammar School is day-only.
- ICSEA gap of 81: Sydney Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Scotch College is in Melbourne, Sydney Grammar School is in Sydney – boarding may be relevant if you prefer one but live closer to the other.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Scotch College | Sydney Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Hawthorn, Melbourne | Darlinghurst, Sydney |
| Sector | Presbyterian | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | boys | boys |
| Year levels | Prep-Year 12 | K-Year 12 (boys K-Year 12 College St; co-ed Edgecliff and St Ives Prep) |
| ICSEA | 1193 | 1274 |
| Year 12 fee | $47,877 | $52,410 |
| Year 7 fee | $46,056 | $52,410 |
| Boarding | Yes | Day school |
| Founded | 1851 | 1857 |
| Religion | Presbyterian/Uniting Church heritage | Non-denominational secular independent (per founding Act of Parliament) |
All fees verified 30 May 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
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 →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
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Scotch College or Sydney Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Sydney Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Scotch College is more affordable. They sit in different cities (Melbourne vs 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 Scotch College and Sydney Grammar School?
Scotch College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $47,877 (Year 7: $46,056). 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 Scotch College vs Sydney Grammar School?
Scotch College has an ICSEA score of 1193; 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, Scotch College or Sydney Grammar School?
Scotch College is the older school (founded 1851 vs 1857 for Sydney Grammar School).
Do Scotch College or Sydney Grammar School offer boarding?
Scotch College: Yes. 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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