Head-to-head · 2026
St Catherine's School Waverley vs Sydney Grammar School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Sydney. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: St Catherine's School Waverley is Anglican; Sydney Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational).
- Gender: St Catherine's School Waverley is girls; Sydney Grammar School is boys.
- St Catherine's School Waverley offers boarding; Sydney Grammar School is day-only.
- Year 12 fees differ by $12,590: St Catherine's School Waverley is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 62: Sydney Grammar School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Both schools are in Sydney, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | St Catherine's School Waverley | Sydney Grammar School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Waverley, Sydney | Darlinghurst, Sydney |
| Sector | Anglican | Independent (non-denominational) |
| Gender | girls | boys |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | K-Year 12 (boys K-Year 12 College St; co-ed Edgecliff and St Ives Prep) |
| ICSEA | 1212 | 1274 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $39,820 | $52,410 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $36,420 | $52,410 |
| Boarding | Yes · $31,800/yr | Day school |
| Founded | 1856 | 1857 |
| Religion | Anglican Church of Australia | Non-denominational secular independent (per founding Act of Parliament) |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
St Catherine's School Waverley
Standout strengths
- ›Australia's oldest girls' school (est. 1856)
- ›Eastern Sydney harbour-adjacent campus
- ›Strong HSC outcomes + drama tradition
Anglican girls' school in Waverley, eastern Sydney. Founded 1856 (one of Australia's oldest girls' schools).
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, St Catherine's School Waverley or Sydney Grammar School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Sydney Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, St Catherine's School Waverley is more affordable. Both are in 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 St Catherine's School Waverley and Sydney Grammar School?
St Catherine's School Waverley's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $39,820 (Year 7: $36,420). 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 St Catherine's School Waverley vs Sydney Grammar School?
St Catherine's School Waverley has an ICSEA score of 1212; 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, St Catherine's School Waverley or Sydney Grammar School?
St Catherine's School Waverley is the older school (founded 1856 vs 1857 for Sydney Grammar School).
Do St Catherine's School Waverley or Sydney Grammar School offer boarding?
St Catherine's School Waverley: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $31,800/yr. 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.
Open calculator →