Head-to-head · 2026
Somerset College vs St Hilda's School Southport
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Gold Coast. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Somerset College is Independent (non-denominational); St Hilda's School Southport is Anglican.
- Gender: Somerset College is co-educational; St Hilda's School Southport is girls.
- St Hilda's School Southport offers boarding; Somerset College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $5,024: Somerset College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 29: Somerset College draws from a more advantaged community.
- St Hilda's School Southport is the older school (est. 1912 vs 1983).
- Both schools are in Gold Coast, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Somerset College | St Hilda's School Southport |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast | Southport, Gold Coast |
| Sector | Independent (non-denominational) | Anglican |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | Pre-Prep to Year 12 | Pre-Prep to Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1155 | 1126 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $22,260 | $27,284 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $22,260 | $26,349 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes · $28,912/yr |
| Founded | 1983 | 1912 |
| Religion | Non-denominational; Christian values | Anglican Church of Australia |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Somerset College
Standout strengths
- ›IB World School offering both Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma
- ›Choice of IB Diploma or QCE in Years 11-12
- ›Strong music, drama and sport program on a 33-hectare campus
Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast. IB World School offering both Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma
See full profile →St Hilda's School Southport
Standout strengths
- ›Only girls' school on the Gold Coast; full and weekly boarding from Year 6
- ›Strong arts and music program
- ›5% discount for early payment of fees
Anglican girls school in Southport, Gold Coast. Only girls' school on the Gold Coast; full and weekly boarding from Year 6
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Somerset College or St Hilda's School Southport?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Somerset College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Somerset College is more affordable. Both are in Gold Coast. 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 Somerset College and St Hilda's School Southport?
Somerset College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $22,260 (Year 7: $22,260). St Hilda's School Southport's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $27,284 (Year 7: $26,349). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Somerset College vs St Hilda's School Southport?
Somerset College has an ICSEA score of 1155; St Hilda's School Southport has 1126. 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, Somerset College or St Hilda's School Southport?
St Hilda's School Southport is the older school (founded 1912 vs 1983 for Somerset College).
Do Somerset College or St Hilda's School Southport offer boarding?
Somerset College: Day school only. St Hilda's School Southport: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $28,912/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.
Open calculator →