Head-to-head · 2026
Westminster School Adelaide vs Wilderness School
Side-by-side 2026 comparison: fees, ICSEA, sector, gender, programs and boarding. Both in Adelaide. Sourced from each school's published 2026 schedule and ACARA MySchool. Verified 13 May 2026.
At a glance
The headline differences
- Sector: Westminster School Adelaide is Uniting Church; Wilderness School is Independent (Non-denominational Christian).
- Gender: Westminster School Adelaide is co-educational; Wilderness School is girls.
- Year 12 fees differ by $6,835: Westminster School Adelaide is more affordable.
- ICSEA gap of 26: Wilderness School draws from a more advantaged community.
- Wilderness School is the older school (est. 1884 vs 1961).
- Both schools are in Adelaide, so catchment + commute considerations are similar.
Comparison
Side-by-side
| Metric | Westminster School Adelaide | Wilderness School |
|---|---|---|
| City / suburb | Marion, Adelaide | Medindie, Adelaide |
| Sector | Uniting Church | Independent (Non-denominational Christian) |
| Gender | co-educational | girls |
| Year levels | ELC-Year 12 | Reception-Year 12 (with Year 13) |
| ICSEA | 1152 | 1178 |
| Year 12 fee 2026 | $21,680 | $28,515 |
| Year 7 fee 2026 | $19,420 | on request |
| Boarding | Yes · $25,800/yr | Yes |
| Founded | 1961 | 1884 |
| Religion | Uniting Church in Australia | Non-denominational Christian |
All fees verified 13 May 2026 against each school's published 2026 schedule. Excludes uniforms, technology, camps, capital + boarding (unless shown).
Westminster School Adelaide
Standout strengths
- ›South Adelaide Uniting Church co-ed
- ›Strong music + sport programs
- ›Boarding house draws from regional SA + interstate
Uniting Church co-educational school in Marion, south Adelaide. Founded 1961.
See full profile →Wilderness School
Standout strengths
- ›Year 13 gap-year style program
- ›Up to 80 boarders
- ›Round Square global member school
Independent (Non-denominational Christian) girls school in Medindie, Adelaide. Year 13 gap-year style program
See full profile →Common questions
FAQs
Which is better, Westminster School Adelaide or Wilderness School?
"Better" depends on family priorities. By ICSEA, Wilderness School. By 2026 Year 12 fee, Westminster School Adelaide is more affordable. Both are in Adelaide. 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 Westminster School Adelaide and Wilderness School?
Westminster School Adelaide's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $21,680 (Year 7: $19,420). Wilderness School's 2026 Year 12 tuition is $28,515. Both schools also charge additional levies (technology, camps, capital, uniform) typically adding 8-15% to headline tuition.
What are the ICSEA scores for Westminster School Adelaide vs Wilderness School?
Westminster School Adelaide has an ICSEA score of 1152; Wilderness School has 1178. 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, Westminster School Adelaide or Wilderness School?
Wilderness School is the older school (founded 1884 vs 1961 for Westminster School Adelaide).
Do Westminster School Adelaide or Wilderness School offer boarding?
Westminster School Adelaide: Yes, 2026 boarding fee from $25,800/yr. Wilderness 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.
Open calculator →