Head-to-head · 2026
Southern Cross Catholic College vs Townsville Grammar School
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.
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At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Southern Cross Catholic College is Catholic; Townsville Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Gender: Southern Cross Catholic College is co-ed; Townsville Grammar School is co-educational.
- Townsville Grammar School offers boarding; Southern Cross Catholic College is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $10,845: Southern Cross Catholic College is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 104: Townsville Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Townsville Grammar School is the older school (est. 1888 vs 1998).
- Both schools are in Townsville, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Southern Cross Catholic College | Townsville Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Annandale, Townsville | North Ward, Townsville |
| Sector | Catholic | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | co-ed | co-educational |
| Year levels | Prep-12 | Pre-Prep-Year 12 |
| ICSEA | 1040 | 1144 |
| Year 12 fee | $7,131 | $17,976 |
| Year 7 fee | $7,131 | $17,420 |
| Boarding | Day school | Yes |
| Founded | 1998 | 1888 |
| Religion | Catholic | Non-denominational secular |
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 →Townsville Grammar School
Standout strengths
- ›International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) for Years 11-12, one of only 18 IB schools in Queensland
- ›Co-educational boarding for Years 7-12 with 120 boarders (25 international students)
- ›Three junior school campuses (Annandale, North Shore, North Ward) plus Year 7-12 campus adjacent to Townsville Sports Precinct (2022)
Independent (non-denominational) co-educational school in North Ward, Townsville. International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB) for Years 11-12, one of only 18 IB schools in Queensland.
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Southern Cross Catholic College or Townsville Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Townsville Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Southern Cross Catholic College 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 Townsville Grammar School?
Southern Cross Catholic College's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $7,131 (Year 7: $7,131). Townsville Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $17,976 (Year 7: $17,420). 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 Townsville Grammar School?
Southern Cross Catholic College has an ICSEA score of 1040; Townsville Grammar School has 1144. 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 Townsville Grammar School?
Townsville Grammar School is the older school (founded 1888 vs 1998 for Southern Cross Catholic College).
Do Southern Cross Catholic College or Townsville Grammar School offer boarding?
Southern Cross Catholic College: Day school only. Townsville Grammar School: 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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