Head-to-head · 2026

Sydney Grammar School vs Wenona 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.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 13 May 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

At a glance

The headline differences

  • Sector: Sydney Grammar School is Independent (non-denominational); Wenona School is Uniting Church.
  • Gender: Sydney Grammar School is boys; Wenona School is girls.
  • Year 12 fees differ by $14,760: Wenona School is more affordable.
  • ICSEA gap of 73: 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 Sydney Grammar School Wenona School
City / suburbDarlinghurst, SydneyNorth Sydney, Sydney
SectorIndependent (non-denominational)Uniting Church
Genderboysgirls
Year levelsK-Year 12 (boys K-Year 12 College St; co-ed Edgecliff and St Ives Prep)K-Year 12
ICSEA12741201
Year 12 fee 2026$52,410$37,650
Year 7 fee 2026$52,410$35,280
BoardingDay schoolDay school
Founded18571886
ReligionNon-denominational secular independent (per founding Act of Parliament)Uniting Church in Australia

All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).

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

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Wenona School

Standout strengths

  • Strong HSC results + creative arts
  • North Sydney harbour-edge campus
  • Notable alumni: Quentin Bryce, Catherine Burn

Uniting Church girls' school in North Sydney. Founded 1886. Day-only, strong academic + arts focus.

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Common questions

FAQs

Which is better, Sydney Grammar School or Wenona School?

"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Sydney Grammar School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Wenona School 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 Sydney Grammar School and Wenona School?

Sydney Grammar School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $52,410 (Year 7: $52,410). Wenona School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $37,650 (Year 7: $35,280). Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.

What are the ICSEA scores for Sydney Grammar School vs Wenona School?

Sydney Grammar School has an ICSEA score of 1274; Wenona School has 1201. 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, Sydney Grammar School or Wenona School?

Sydney Grammar School is the older school (founded 1857 vs 1886 for Wenona School).

Do Sydney Grammar School or Wenona School offer boarding?

Sydney Grammar School: Day school only. Wenona 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.

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