Head-to-head · 2026
Southern Cross Catholic College vs St Patrick's College Townsville
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Townsville. Sourced from each school's published schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 6 June 2026.
Looking for just one school's fees and full profile?
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Southern Cross Catholic College is Catholic; St Patrick's College Townsville is Catholic (Mercy tradition).
- Gender: Southern Cross Catholic College is co-ed; St Patrick's College Townsville is girls.
- St Patrick's College Townsville offers boarding; Southern Cross Catholic College is day-only.
- ICSEA gap of 90: Southern Cross Catholic College draws from a more advantaged community.
- St Patrick's College Townsville is the older school (est. 1878 vs 1998).
- Both schools are in Townsville, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Southern Cross Catholic College | St Patrick's College Townsville |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Annandale, Townsville | Townsville, Townsville |
| Sector | Catholic | Catholic (Mercy tradition) |
| Gender | co-ed | girls |
| Year levels | Prep-12 | Year 7-12 |
| ICSEA | 1040 | 950 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,131 | $6,450 |
| Year 7 fee | $7,131 | $6,150 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes |
| Founded | 1998 | 1878 |
| Religion | Catholic | Roman Catholic (Sisters of Mercy tradition) |
All fees verified 6 June 2026 against each school's published schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Southern Cross Catholic College
Standout strengths
- ›Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways
- ›Catholic Earthcare / sustainability and solar program
- ›Comprehensive student wellbeing and pastoral care
Southern Cross Catholic College is a co-educational Catholic Prep-to-Year-12 college in Annandale, operated within the Townsville Catholic Education diocese. Opened in January 1998 with 70 Prep-Year 4 students, it grew to a full primary/secondary college, graduating its first Year 12 cohort in 2019, and now enrols around 1,070-1,320 students under the motto 'To Love, To Serve, To Shine'. The 2026 Years 7-12 fee is from 7,131 dollars (excluding senior subject levies), with a discount for paying in full at the start of Term 1.
See full profile →St Patrick's College Townsville
Standout strengths
- ›Oceanfront Strand campus with state-of-the-art facilities (East Precinct opened 2020 by award-winning M3 Architecture)
- ›Catholic day and boarding school in Mercy tradition; boarding with air-conditioned single and multi-dorm facilities
- ›Combined Schools' Musical harnesses talent across three Townsville Catholic colleges
Catholic (Mercy tradition) girls school in Townsville, Townsville. Oceanfront Strand campus with state-of-the-art facilities (East Precinct opened 2020 by award-winning M3 Architecture).
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Southern Cross Catholic College or St Patrick's College Townsville?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Southern Cross Catholic College. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Patrick's College Townsville is more affordable. Both are in Townsville. 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 Southern Cross Catholic College and St Patrick's College Townsville?
Southern Cross Catholic College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,131 (Year 7: $7,131). St Patrick's College Townsville's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $6,450 (Year 7: $6,150). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Southern Cross Catholic College vs St Patrick's College Townsville?
Southern Cross Catholic College has an ICSEA score of 1040; St Patrick's College Townsville has 950. 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, Southern Cross Catholic College or St Patrick's College Townsville?
St Patrick's College Townsville is the older school (founded 1878 vs 1998 for Southern Cross Catholic College).
Do Southern Cross Catholic College or St Patrick's College Townsville offer boarding?
Southern Cross Catholic College: Day school only. St Patrick's College Townsville: Yes.
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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