Chatswood · NSW · 2067

Independent Schools in Chatswood, NSW

Comparing independent schools in Chatswood? Browse the providers we list serving Chatswood and the surrounding Sydney area, typically $25,000-$55,000/yr. Credentials and pricing shown where published — independent, no paid placements.

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Best independent schools near me?

Australian private school fees in 2026 vary by school tier: Elite Year 12 fees range from $42,000-$55,000/year (Geelong Grammar, Scotch College, Melbourne Grammar, Sydney Grammar). Mid-tier independent schools: $25,000-$38,000/year. Catholic systemic schools: $4,000-$10,000/year. Year 7-9 typically 30-40% lower than Year 12. Boarding adds $25,000-$45,000/year on top of tuition. Total cost of private education K-12: $400,000-$650,000 for elite schools, $150,000-$300,000 for mid-tier, $40,000-$120,000 for Catholic. Always factor in uniforms, IT, camps, music tuition (add $5,000-$15,000/year).

1.4M

Australian non-government school students

~2,750

Independent + Catholic schools nationwide

205

Schools in our 2026 database

$3,488 to $55,380

Year 12 fee range across our database

Chatswood at a glance

Chatswood (2067) is a north shore commercial suburb of Sydney, NSW, approximately 10 km from the Sydney CBD. Home to around 24,000 residents with a median age of 37 and a median household income of $2,200/week (ABS Census 2021). The median detached house price is approximately $2500k (2026). Local landmarks include Chatswood Interchange.

Population

24,000

Median age

Median income / wk

$2,200

Km from CBD

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Top private schools in the Sydney catchment

Verified 2026 fees, ICSEA scores, and standout programs for 44 private schools across Sydney. School data sourced from official 2026 fee schedules and the ACARA MySchool register.

Sydney Grammar School

, Darlinghurst

Independent (non-denominational) Boys Elite tier Est. 1857

Independent (non-denominational) boys school in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Consistently Sydney's top HSC academic results

Y12 fee 2026

$52,410/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$52,410

ICSEA

1274

Year levels

K-Year 12 (boys K-Year 12 College St; co-ed Edgecliff and St Ives Prep)

Best for: Consistently Sydney's top HSC academic results

Standout programs

› Consistently Sydney's top HSC academic results
› Strong Classics, Latin and humanities tradition
› GPS sport member with strong rowing and athletics

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Abbotsleigh

, Wahroonga

Anglican Girls Top tier Boarding Est. 1885

Anglican girls school in Wahroonga, Sydney. Consistently top HSC results among Sydney girls' schools

Y12 fee 2026

$41,960/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$39,400

ICSEA

1217

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Best for: Consistently top HSC results among Sydney girls' schools

Standout programs

› Consistently top HSC results among Sydney girls' schools
› Strong music and choral program
› Sister school to Knox Grammar (joint events)

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Boarding fee not disclosed in public sources.

Ascham School

, Edgecliff

Independent (non-denominational) Girls Top tier Boarding Est. 1886

Independent (non-denominational) girls school in Edgecliff, Sydney. Dalton Plan progressive education methodology (one of few in Australia)

Y12 fee 2026

$41,680/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$38,280

ICSEA

1217

Year levels

K-Year 12

Boarding: $33,200/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Dalton Plan progressive education methodology (one of few in Australia)

Standout programs

› Dalton Plan progressive education methodology (one of few in Australia)
› Top HSC results among Eastern Suburbs girls' schools
› Strong rowing program on Sydney Harbour

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Ascham does not publish tuition publicly. Contact [email protected] for current 2026 schedule.

SCEGGS Darlinghurst

, Darlinghurst

Anglican Girls Elite tier Est. 1895

Anglican girls school in Darlinghurst, Sydney. Consistently top-five NSW HSC ranked school

Y12 fee 2026

$51,856/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$48,152

ICSEA

1212

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: Consistently top-five NSW HSC ranked school

Standout programs

› Consistently top-five NSW HSC ranked school
› Inner-city campus with strong creative arts focus
› Progressive Anglican social-justice ethos

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Catherine's School Waverley

, Waverley

Anglican Girls Top tier Boarding Est. 1856

Anglican girls' school in Waverley, eastern Sydney. Founded 1856 (one of Australia's oldest girls' schools).

Y12 fee 2026

$39,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$36,420

ICSEA

1212

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Boarding: $31,800/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Australia's oldest girls' school (est. 1856)

Standout programs

› Australia's oldest girls' school (est. 1856)
› Eastern Sydney harbour-adjacent campus
› Strong HSC outcomes + drama tradition

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Wenona School

, North Sydney

Uniting Church Girls Top tier Est. 1886

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

Y12 fee 2026

$37,650/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$35,280

ICSEA

1201

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: Strong HSC results + creative arts

Standout programs

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

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Reddam House

, Bondi

Independent (non-denominational) Co-ed Top tier Est. 2001

Independent co-educational school in Bondi, Sydney's eastern suburbs. Founded 2001. Non-denominational, day-only.

Y12 fee 2026

$38,200/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$35,400

ICSEA

1188

Year levels

Early Learning-Year 12

Best for: Modern co-ed eastern suburbs

Standout programs

› Modern co-ed eastern suburbs
› Strong music + drama + visual arts
› Personalised learning pathways

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Knox Grammar School

, Wahroonga

Uniting Church Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1924

Uniting Church boys school in Wahroonga, Sydney. Largest GPS boys' school with broad co-curricular program

Y12 fee 2026

$45,120/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$42,640

ICSEA

1187

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Best for: Largest GPS boys' school with broad co-curricular program

Standout programs

› Largest GPS boys' school with broad co-curricular program
› Strong rugby, rowing and athletics
› Wellbeing-led 'Total Boy' framework

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Knox does not publish tuition publicly; figures via Good Schools Guide. Boarding fee on enquiry.

Hills Grammar School

, Kenthurst

Independent (non-denominational) Co-ed Mid tier Est. 1982

Independent co-educational school in Kenthurst, north-west Sydney. Founded 1982.

Y12 fee 2026

$25,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$23,280

ICSEA

1187

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: North-west Sydney co-ed

Standout programs

› North-west Sydney co-ed
› Bushland Kenthurst campus
› Strong VCE/HSC outcomes

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Loreto Kirribilli

, Kirribilli

Catholic (Loreto) Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1901

Catholic Loreto Sisters girls' school overlooking Sydney Harbour. Founded 1901. Strong academic + boarding.

Y12 fee 2026

$27,950/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$25,380

ICSEA

1186

Year levels

K-Year 12

Boarding: $24,600/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: IB Diploma alongside HSC

Standout programs

› IB Diploma alongside HSC
› Loreto Sisters Mary Ward tradition
› Sydney Harbour campus

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Loreto Normanhurst

, Normanhurst

Catholic (Loreto) Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1897

Catholic Loreto Sisters girls' school in Normanhurst, upper North Shore Sydney. Founded 1897. Day + boarding.

Y12 fee 2026

$27,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$25,420

ICSEA

1183

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Boarding: $24,600/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Mary Ward Loreto Sisters tradition

Standout programs

› Mary Ward Loreto Sisters tradition
› Boarding house for regional NSW
› Strong HSC academic outcomes

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Tangara School for Girls

, Cherrybrook

Catholic (Opus Dei) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1982

Catholic Opus Dei-affiliated girls' school in Cherrybrook, north-west Sydney. Founded 1982.

Y12 fee 2026

$17,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$15,920

ICSEA

1183

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: Opus Dei Personal Prelature affiliated

Standout programs

› Opus Dei Personal Prelature affiliated
› Strong HSC academic outcomes
› Single-sex Catholic girls north-west Sydney

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Shore (Sydney Church of England Grammar)

, North Sydney

Anglican Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1889

Anglican boys school in North Sydney, Sydney. GPS founding member with strong rowing on Sydney Harbour

Y12 fee 2026

$48,100/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$45,300

ICSEA

1182

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Best for: GPS founding member with strong rowing on Sydney Harbour

Standout programs

› GPS founding member with strong rowing on Sydney Harbour
› Northwood and Northbridge campuses with extensive sport facilities
› Anglican formation with chapel program

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Shore's fee page returns 403; figures via Good Schools Guide. Boarding fee on enquiry.

Cranbrook School

, Bellevue Hill

Anglican Co-ed Elite tier Boarding Est. 1918

Anglican co-educational school in Bellevue Hill, Sydney. IB Diploma offered alongside HSC

Y12 fee 2026

$49,521/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$47,643

ICSEA

1181

Year levels

Pre-school to Year 12

Best for: IB Diploma offered alongside HSC

Standout programs

› IB Diploma offered alongside HSC
› Recently became co-educational from K-12
› Eastern Suburbs harbourside campus with strong arts program

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Aloysius' College

, Milsons Point

Catholic (Jesuit) Boys Mid tier Est. 1879

Jesuit boys' school in Milsons Point, North Sydney. Founded 1879. Day-only school with strong academic results.

Y12 fee 2026

$28,480/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$26,340

ICSEA

1180

Year levels

Year 3-Year 12

Best for: Jesuit Magis + Ignatian formation

Standout programs

› Jesuit Magis + Ignatian formation
› Strong HSC academic outcomes
› Senior Trial Court mentoring (legal pathway)

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

International Grammar School

, Ultimo

Independent (non-denominational) Co-ed Mid tier Est. 1984

Independent co-educational school in Ultimo, Sydney. Founded 1984. Bilingual program in 4 languages.

Y12 fee 2026

$31,980/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$28,680

ICSEA

1180

Year levels

ELC-Year 12

Best for: Bilingual program (Mandarin, French, German, Italian)

Standout programs

› Bilingual program (Mandarin, French, German, Italian)
› IB Diploma alongside HSC
› Inner-city co-ed model

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Ravenswood School for Girls

, Gordon

Uniting Church Girls Top tier Boarding Est. 1901

Uniting Church girls school in Gordon, Sydney. IB World School (PYP and Diploma)

Y12 fee 2026

$42,160/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$40,410

ICSEA

1179

Year levels

Prep to Year 12

Best for: IB World School (PYP and Diploma)

Standout programs

› IB World School (PYP and Diploma)
› Award-winning STEM and design programs
› Strong music and dance co-curricular

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Pymble Ladies' College

, Pymble

Uniting Church Girls Elite tier Boarding Est. 1916

Uniting Church girls school in Pymble, Sydney. IB Primary Years and HSC offered

Y12 fee 2026

$45,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$44,710

ICSEA

1178

Year levels

K-Year 12

Boarding: $34,592/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: IB Primary Years and HSC offered

Standout programs

› IB Primary Years and HSC offered
› Strong STEM and innovation program
› AHIGS sport with elite rowing and aquatics

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Trinity Grammar School (Summer Hill)

, Summer Hill

Anglican Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1913

Anglican boys school in Summer Hill, Sydney. Strong music program (one of largest school music programs in Australia)

Y12 fee 2026

$47,500/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$42,970

ICSEA

1170

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12 (Strathfield Prep K-6, Summer Hill K-12)

Best for: Strong music program (one of largest school music programs in Australia)

Standout programs

› Strong music program (one of largest school music programs in Australia)
› AAGPS sport member with strong rugby and rowing
› Field studies centre at Woollamia

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Monte Sant' Angelo Mercy College

, North Sydney

Catholic (Mercy) Girls Mid tier Est. 1875

Catholic Mercy Sisters girls' school in North Sydney. Founded 1875.

Y12 fee 2026

$21,680/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$19,820

ICSEA

1170

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Best for: Mercy Sisters Catherine McAuley tradition

Standout programs

› Mercy Sisters Catherine McAuley tradition
› North Sydney harbour campus
› Mid-fee Catholic girls option

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Saint Ignatius' College Riverview

, Lane Cove

Catholic (Jesuit) Boys Top tier Boarding Est. 1880

Catholic (Jesuit) boys school in Lane Cove, Sydney. Jesuit education in the Ignatian tradition

Y12 fee 2026

$42,660/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$41,370

ICSEA

1168

Year levels

Year 5 to Year 12

Boarding: $29,565/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Jesuit education in the Ignatian tradition

Standout programs

› Jesuit education in the Ignatian tradition
› Largest GPS boarding school by tradition; major rowing program
› Strong service-learning and Jesuit retreat program

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: ICSEA value 1168 is from 2018 MySchool data (most recent surfaced).

St Andrew's Cathedral School

, Sydney CBD

Anglican Co-ed Mid tier Est. 1885

Anglican co-educational school in Sydney CBD. Founded 1885. Strong music + cathedral choir tradition.

Y12 fee 2026

$33,620/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$30,240

ICSEA

1166

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: Cathedral Choir + Gawura Indigenous program

Standout programs

› Cathedral Choir + Gawura Indigenous program
› Sydney CBD inner-city campus
› Co-educational K-12

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

The King's School

, North Parramatta

Anglican Boys Elite tier Boarding Est. 1831

Anglican boys school in North Parramatta, Sydney. Australia's oldest independent school

Y12 fee 2026

$49,980/yr

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1164

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Boarding: $35,856/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Australia's oldest independent school

Standout programs

› Australia's oldest independent school
› One of the largest GPS boarding schools (~430 boarders)
› Strong rugby and cadet program tradition

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Year 7 tuition not extracted from PDF; Year 12 confirmed at $49,980.

Roseville College

, Roseville

Anglican Girls Mid tier Est. 1908

Anglican girls' school in Roseville, Sydney's upper North Shore. Founded 1908. Day-only.

Y12 fee 2026

$28,140/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$26,050

ICSEA

1163

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: Strong upper North Shore community

Standout programs

› Strong upper North Shore community
› Anglican Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Advent foundation
› Strong HSC results + creative arts

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Oxley College

, Burradoo

Independent (non-denominational) Co-ed Mid tier Est. 1983

Independent co-educational school in Burradoo, Southern Highlands NSW. Founded 1983.

Y12 fee 2026

$25,920/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$22,680

ICSEA

1163

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: Southern Highlands co-ed

Standout programs

› Southern Highlands co-ed
› Burradoo rural campus
› Strong outdoor education + agriculture

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Frensham School

, Mittagong

Independent (non-denominational) Girls Top tier Boarding Est. 1913

Independent girls' boarding school in Mittagong, Southern Highlands NSW. Founded 1913. Year 7-12 boarding focus.

Y12 fee 2026

$44,980/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$39,850

ICSEA

1158

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Boarding: $32,300/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Southern Highlands rural boarding

Standout programs

› Southern Highlands rural boarding
› Strong equestrian + outdoor education
› Sterling student leadership model

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

The Scots College

, Bellevue Hill

Presbyterian Boys Tier varies Boarding Est. 1893

Presbyterian boys school in Bellevue Hill, Sydney. Glengarry outdoor education campus (Year 9 program)

Y12 fee 2026

Fees on request

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1157

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Best for: Glengarry outdoor education campus (Year 9 program)

Standout programs

› Glengarry outdoor education campus (Year 9 program)
› Strong rugby and pipe band tradition (Brave Hearts, Bold Minds)
› GPS member with broad co-curricular offering

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: 2026 fee schedule gated; school directs enquiries to [email protected].

Meriden School

, Strathfield

Anglican Girls Mid tier Est. 1897

Anglican girls' school in Strathfield, inner west Sydney. Founded 1897.

Y12 fee 2026

$23,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$21,320

ICSEA

1147

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: Inner west Sydney Anglican girls school

Standout programs

› Inner west Sydney Anglican girls school
› Strong HSC outcomes
› Community-feel cohort

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Vincent's College

, Potts Point

Catholic (Sisters of Charity) Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1858

Catholic Sisters of Charity girls' school in Potts Point, Sydney. Founded 1858.

Y12 fee 2026

$21,940/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$19,620

ICSEA

1138

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Boarding: $22,500/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Sisters of Charity Mary Aikenhead tradition

Standout programs

› Sisters of Charity Mary Aikenhead tradition
› Day + small boarding house
› Potts Point inner-city campus

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Marist College North Shore

, North Sydney

Catholic (Marist) Boys Lower-fee Est. 1909

Catholic Marist Brothers boys' school in North Sydney. Founded 1909.

Y12 fee 2026

$11,280/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$9,820

ICSEA

1138

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Best for: Marist Brothers Champagnat tradition

Standout programs

› Marist Brothers Champagnat tradition
› Mid-fee Catholic boys option in Sydney North
› Strong rugby tradition

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

William Clarke College

, Kellyville

Anglican Co-ed Mid tier Est. 1988

Anglican co-educational school in Kellyville, north-west Sydney. Founded 1988.

Y12 fee 2026

$21,620/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$19,280

ICSEA

1138

Year levels

Pre-K-Year 12

Best for: North-west Sydney Anglican co-ed

Standout programs

› North-west Sydney Anglican co-ed
› Kellyville campus
› Strong music + drama programs

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Kambala

, Rose Bay

Anglican Girls Elite tier Boarding Est. 1887

Anglican girls school in Rose Bay, Sydney. Both IB Diploma and HSC offered (rare combination)

Y12 fee 2026

$49,800/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$49,100

ICSEA

1134

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Boarding: $33,700/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Both IB Diploma and HSC offered (rare combination)

Standout programs

› Both IB Diploma and HSC offered (rare combination)
› Hampshire House boarding for senior students
› Harbourside Rose Bay campus with strong rowing

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: Tuition gated. Application fee $300 + enrolment fee $6,000 confirmed.

Newington College

, Stanmore

Uniting Church Co-ed Elite tier Boarding Est. 1863

Uniting Church co-educational (transitioning; historically boys) school in Stanmore, Sydney. GPS member with strong rugby and rowing

Y12 fee 2026

$48,141/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$44,298

ICSEA

1132

Year levels

Pre-K to Year 12

Boarding: $38,394/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: GPS member with strong rugby and rowing

Standout programs

› GPS member with strong rugby and rowing
› IB Diploma offered alongside HSC
› Transitioning to co-education from 2026 (Year 5) and 2028 (Year 7-12)

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Brigidine College Randwick

, Randwick

Catholic (Brigidine) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1929

Catholic Brigidine Sisters girls' school in Randwick, eastern Sydney. Founded 1929.

Y12 fee 2026

$10,880/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$9,820

ICSEA

1117

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Best for: Brigidine Sisters Mary Aikenhead tradition

Standout programs

› Brigidine Sisters Mary Aikenhead tradition
› Eastern Sydney Catholic girls
› Strong VCE outcomes for fees tier

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Macarthur Anglican School

, Cobbitty

Anglican Co-ed Mid tier Est. 1984

Anglican co-educational school in Cobbitty, south-west Sydney. Founded 1984.

Y12 fee 2026

$21,680/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$19,420

ICSEA

1117

Year levels

Pre-K-Year 12

Best for: South-west Sydney Anglican co-ed

Standout programs

› South-west Sydney Anglican co-ed
› Cobbitty rural campus
› Strong sport + outdoor education

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Tara Anglican School for Girls

, North Parramatta

Anglican Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1897

Anglican girls' school in North Parramatta. Founded 1897. Day + boarding.

Y12 fee 2026

$26,420/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$23,900

ICSEA

1109

Year levels

K-Year 12

Boarding: $24,200/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Western Sydney Anglican girls school

Standout programs

› Western Sydney Anglican girls school
› Boarding house for rural NSW + ACT families
› Strong music + drama programs

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Patrick's College Strathfield

, Strathfield

Catholic (Christian Brothers) Boys Lower-fee Est. 1928

Catholic Christian Brothers boys' school in Strathfield, inner west Sydney. Founded 1928.

Y12 fee 2026

$10,180/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$9,180

ICSEA

1108

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Best for: Edmund Rice tradition

Standout programs

› Edmund Rice tradition
› Inner west Sydney Catholic boys
› Strong rugby league + soccer

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Marian Catholic College Kenthurst

, Kenthurst

Catholic (FMA) Girls Lower-fee Est. 1985

Catholic Daughters of Mary Help of Christians girls' school in Kenthurst, north-west Sydney. Founded 1985.

Y12 fee 2026

$7,920/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$6,920

ICSEA

1108

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Best for: Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian) tradition

Standout programs

› Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (Salesian) tradition
› North-west Sydney Catholic girls
› Lower-fee accessible option

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Pacific Hills Christian School

, Dural

Christian Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1978

Christian Schools Australia co-educational school in Dural, north-west Sydney. Founded 1978.

Y12 fee 2026

$14,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$13,280

ICSEA

1100

Year levels

K-Year 12

Best for: CSA Christian co-ed school

Standout programs

› CSA Christian co-ed school
› North-west Sydney bushland campus
› Lower-fee Christian option

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Mary's Cathedral College

, Sydney CBD

Catholic Boys Lower-fee Est. 1824

Catholic Christian Brothers boys' school in Sydney CBD. Founded 1824 (Australia's oldest Catholic school).

Y12 fee 2026

$10,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$9,420

ICSEA

1098

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Best for: Australia's oldest Catholic school (est. 1824)

Standout programs

› Australia's oldest Catholic school (est. 1824)
› Sydney CBD adjacent St Mary's Cathedral
› Strong choral tradition

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

St Joseph's College Hunters Hill

, Hunters Hill

Catholic (Marist) Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1881

Marist Brothers Catholic boys' boarding school in Hunters Hill, Sydney. Founded 1881. Australia's largest boys' boarding school. AAGPS member.

Y12 fee 2026

$31,920/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$30,260

ICSEA

1095

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Boarding: $26,500/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Largest boys' boarding school in Australia (~600 boarders)

Standout programs

› Largest boys' boarding school in Australia (~600 boarders)
› AAGPS rugby + rowing
› Marist Brothers tradition + Champagnat formation

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

De La Salle College Caringbah

, Caringbah

Catholic (De La Salle Brothers) Boys Lower-fee Est. 1962

Catholic De La Salle Brothers boys' school in Caringbah, Sutherland Shire. Founded 1962.

Y12 fee 2026

$9,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$8,980

ICSEA

1083

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Best for: De La Salle Brothers tradition

Standout programs

› De La Salle Brothers tradition
› Sutherland Shire Catholic boys
› Strong rugby league + AFL programs

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Marcellin College Randwick

, Randwick

Catholic (Marist) Boys Lower-fee Est. 1923

Catholic Marist Brothers boys' school in Randwick. Founded 1923.

Y12 fee 2026

$9,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$8,820

ICSEA

1078

Year levels

Year 5-Year 12

Best for: Marist Brothers Champagnat tradition

Standout programs

› Marist Brothers Champagnat tradition
› Eastern Sydney Catholic boys
› Strong rugby league tradition

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Casimir Catholic College

, Marrickville

Catholic Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1985

Catholic co-educational school in Marrickville, inner west Sydney. Founded 1985.

Y12 fee 2026

$7,820/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$6,820

ICSEA

1025

Year levels

Year 7-Year 12

Best for: Inner west Sydney Catholic systemic co-ed

Standout programs

› Inner west Sydney Catholic systemic co-ed
› Multicultural community focus
› Lower-fee accessible Catholic option

See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Common questions

Private Schools FAQs, Chatswood

How much do private schools cost in Chatswood (Chatswood) in 2026?

Elite independent schools (Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar, Scotch College, Methodist Ladies' College): $42,000-$55,000/year for Year 12. Mid-tier independents: $25,000-$38,000/year. Catholic systemic schools: $4,000-$10,000/year. Boarding adds $25,000-$45,000 on top. Year 7-9 fees typically 30-40% lower than Year 12. Total K-12 cost: $400,000-$650,000 for elite schools, $40,000-$120,000 for Catholic systemic. Add $5,000-$15,000/year for uniforms, IT, camps, music tuition.

When should I apply for a private school?

Elite schools (Scotch, Geelong Grammar, Sydney Grammar): apply at birth or before age 2 for Year 7 entry. Waiting lists at top schools are 1,000+ children. Mid-tier independents: apply 2-4 years before entry year. Catholic systemic: 12-24 months before entry year. Most competitive entry points: Reception (limited places open most spots), Year 7 (start of secondary, biggest intake), Year 11 (VCE/HSC start). Apply to 4-8 schools simultaneously to maximise options.

What's ICSEA and how does it relate to school quality?

ICSEA (Index of Community Socio-Educational Advantage) measures the socio-economic background of a school's community. Average is 1000. Elite private schools typically score 1180-1230. ICSEA correlates strongly with academic outcomes, but it measures family advantage, not school teaching quality. To assess teaching quality, look at "value-added" data (how much the school improves students above their starting point), Education Department websites publish this. A school with ICSEA 1200 should produce strong results; a school with ICSEA 1100 producing strong results is doing more impressive teaching.

Are private school scholarships realistic to get?

Top elite schools: 5-15 academic scholarships per year for Year 7 entry, 200-500 applicants. Highly competitive, typically requires top 1% performance on ASCAS test plus interview. Mid-tier schools: easier scholarships available, often 30-50% fee reduction. Music scholarships at most schools: less competitive than academic, requires 5+ years instrument experience and grade 6-7 AMEB level. Sport scholarships: rare, mostly for boarding. Financial assistance (means-tested): 5-30% of places at most schools. Apply to 3-5 schools simultaneously to maximise chances.

Catholic vs Independent, which should I choose?

Catholic systemic schools (parish-funded): $4,000-$10,000/year, generally similar academic outcomes to mid-tier independents, religious instruction (Catholic but increasingly inclusive), community-focused, lower socio-economic mix. Independent schools (privately governed): $25,000-$55,000/year, broader extracurricular options, smaller classes, more international students, stronger university preparation, higher ATAR outcomes. Catholic congregational schools (Loreto, Xavier, Mary MacKillop College, etc.) bridge the two, Catholic ethos but independent governance, fees $20,000-$35,000. Many families choose Catholic for primary, independent for secondary.

Are private schools worth the cost?

Research is mixed. Australian Productivity Commission analysis shows private schools deliver 5-8 ATAR points improvement over government schools on average, but much of this is explained by socio-economic background, not teaching quality. Top selective government schools (NSW: Sydney Boys/Girls High, James Ruse; VIC: Melbourne High, Mac.Robertson) consistently outperform top private schools at zero cost. Private school benefits are real (network, extracurriculars, smaller classes, pastoral care) but financial cost is significant, $500,000 invested at age 5 instead would be worth $1.5M+ at age 18 for university and house deposit help.

How do I find the best school for my child?

Visit open days at 5-8 schools matching your geographic and budget criteria. Talk to current parents (often more revealing than school marketing). Ask schools for: median ATAR (or NAPLAN value-added data for primary), retention rate from Year 7 to 12, specific strengths in your child's areas of interest, pastoral care approach, school culture. Match school strengths to your child, academic powerhouse for high achievers, more pastoral schools for sensitive children, sport-focused for athletic kids, music-strong for musicians. Don't just pick the highest-fee school.

What's the application process for private schools?

Standard process: 1) Register interest at school website (often $50-$200 fee), 2) Submit application form with academic reports and references (12-24 months before entry typically), 3) Sit assessment test (Cooperative Scholarship Test, AAS test, or school-specific), 4) Attend family interview, 5) Receive offer or waitlist position. Many schools require non-refundable enrolment fee ($1,500-$5,000) to secure place. Most schools require 1 term notice plus a fee of one term's tuition if you change your mind after enrolment.

Other private schools services in Chatswood

Catholic Schools

$4,000-$10,000/yr

Boarding Schools

$50,000-$95,000/yr total

International Baccalaureate

$28,000-$55,000/yr

Single Sex Schools

$25,000-$50,000/yr

Religious Schools

$8,000-$45,000/yr

More Resources

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