Head-to-head · 2026
Somerville House vs Stuartholme School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Brisbane. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Somerville House is Independent (PMSA); Stuartholme School is Catholic (Society of the Sacred Heart).
- Year 12 fees differ by $9,052: Stuartholme School is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 21: Somerville House draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Brisbane, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Somerville House | Stuartholme School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | South Brisbane, Brisbane | Toowong, Brisbane |
| Sector | Independent (PMSA) | Catholic (Society of the Sacred Heart) |
| Gender | girls | girls |
| Year levels | Prep-Year 12 | Year 7-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1184 | 1163 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $31,872 | $22,820 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $31,872 | $20,680 |
| Boarding | Yes | Yes · $22,600/yr |
| Founded | 1899 | 1920 |
| Religion | Presbyterian and Uniting Church (PMSA) | Roman Catholic (Society of the Sacred Heart) |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Somerville House
Standout strengths
- ›All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport)
- ›Strong academic record - QLD top OP/ATAR results
- ›International + STEM programs
Independent (PMSA) girls school in South Brisbane, Brisbane. All-inclusive fee (laptop, camps, QGSSSA sport)
See full profile →Stuartholme School
Standout strengths
- ›Sacred Heart Madeleine Sophie Barat tradition
- ›Largest girls' boarding school in QLD
- ›Strong music + drama programs
Catholic Society of the Sacred Heart girls' school in Toowong, Brisbane. Founded 1920.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Somerville House or Stuartholme School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Somerville House. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Stuartholme School is more affordable. Both are in Brisbane. 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 Somerville House and Stuartholme School?
Somerville House's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $31,872 (Year 7: $31,872). Stuartholme School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $22,820 (Year 7: $20,680). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Somerville House vs Stuartholme School?
Somerville House has an ICSEA score of 1184; Stuartholme School has 1163. 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, Somerville House or Stuartholme School?
Somerville House is the older school (founded 1899 vs 1920 for Stuartholme School).
Do Somerville House or Stuartholme School offer boarding?
Somerville House: Yes. Stuartholme School: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $22,600/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 →