4 schools · 2026 fees verified

Best Private Schools on the Gold Coast (2026)

The Gold Coast has a growing independent-school sector serving Brisbane + interstate + international families. Major schools include The Southport School (TSS, boys Anglican GPS-member, boarding + day), All Saints Anglican School (Merrimac, co-ed Anglican), Coomera Anglican College (Coomera, co-ed Anglican Diocese of Brisbane), Somerset College (Mudgeeraba, co-ed Independent), and Saint Stephen's College (Coomera, co-ed Anglican). Strong international student intake leveraging the coastal lifestyle.

The Education Desk · Editorial team, schools + fertility + family services · Updated 3 June 2026 · How we rank · Editorial standards

Key takeaways

  • 4 schools matched, ranked by ICSEA (highest first).
  • 2026 Year 12 tuition ranges $12,100–$31,773.
  • 2 of 4 offer boarding.
  • Sourced from each school's published 2026 fee schedule. Independent — no paid placements.
Best Private Schools on the Gold Coast (2026) — quick compare table · Click any header to sort
Provider ⇅ Suburb ⇅ Sector ⇅ Gender ⇅ ICSEA ⇅ Y12 fee ⇅ Boarding ⇅
Somerset College MudgeerabaIndependent (non-denominational)co-educational1155$22,260No
St Hilda's School Southport SouthportAnglicangirls1126$27,284Yes
Coomera Anglican College Upper CoomeraAnglicanco-educational1076$12,100No
The Southport School SouthportAnglicanboys—$31,773Yes

Top 20 by ICSEA. Independent — no paid placements.

1

Somerset College

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

Somerset College is in Mudgeeraba, Gold Coast. Independent (non-denominational), co-educational, Pre-Prep to Year 12. $22,260/yr Year 12 tuition · ICSEA 1155. Founded 1983. Standout: IB World School offering both Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma.

Y12 fee 2026

$22,260/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$22,260

ICSEA

1155

Year levels

Pre-Prep to Year 12

Best for: Families in Gold Coast

Standout programs

  • › IB World School offering both Primary Years Programme and IB Diploma
  • › Choice of IB Diploma or QCE in Years 11-12
  • › Strong music, drama and sport program on a 33-hectare campus
See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗
2

St Hilda's School Southport

, Southport
Anglican Girls Mid tier Boarding Est. 1912

St Hilda's School Southport is in Southport, Gold Coast. Anglican, girls, Pre-Prep to Year 12. $27,284/yr Year 12 tuition · ICSEA 1126. Founded 1912. Boarding offered. Standout: Only girls' school on the Gold Coast; full and weekly boarding from Year 6.

Y12 fee 2026

$27,284/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$26,349

ICSEA

1126

Year levels

Pre-Prep to Year 12

Boarding: $28,912/yr (additional to tuition)

Best for: Families in Gold Coast

Standout programs

  • › Only girls' school on the Gold Coast; full and weekly boarding from Year 6
  • › Strong arts and music program
  • › 5% discount for early payment of fees
See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗
3

Coomera Anglican College

, Upper Coomera
Anglican Co-ed Lower-fee Est. 1997

Coomera Anglican College is in Upper Coomera, Gold Coast. Anglican, co-educational, Pre-Prep to Year 12. $12,100/yr Year 12 tuition · ICSEA 1076. Founded 1997. Standout: Anglican Diocese of Brisbane school.

Y12 fee 2026

$12,100/yr

Y7 fee 2026

—

ICSEA

1076

Year levels

Pre-Prep to Year 12

Best for: Families in Gold Coast

Standout programs

  • › Anglican Diocese of Brisbane school
  • › Strong sport, music and STEM programs
  • › Northern Gold Coast catchment growth school
See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: CAC publishes fees only behind a portal. Contact (07) 5585 9900 for definitive 2026 schedule.

4

The Southport School

, Southport
Anglican Boys Mid tier Boarding Est. 1901

The Southport School is in Southport, Gold Coast. Anglican, boys, Pre-Prep to Year 12. $31,773/yr Year 12 tuition. Founded 1901. Boarding offered. Standout: Largest boys' boarding facility in Queensland (276 boarders Years 7-12).

Y12 fee 2026

$31,773/yr

Y7 fee 2026

$27,216

ICSEA

—

Year levels

Pre-Prep to Year 12

Best for: Families in Gold Coast

Standout programs

  • › Largest boys' boarding facility in Queensland (276 boarders Years 7-12)
  • › GPS (Great Public Schools) sporting tradition
  • › Strong rowing, rugby and music programs
See full profile → School site ↗ Fee source ↗

Note: TSS does not publish 2026 fees publicly; figures via Good Schools Guide.

Common questions

Is The Southport School (TSS) the major Gold Coast boys boarding option?

Yes — TSS is one of Queensland's major boys boarding schools, with around 280 boarders Years 7-12. GPS-member with rugby + rowing tradition. Year 12 fees ~$28-32k day + ~$28-32k boarding. Boarders from Outback QLD, Pacific Islands, Asia.

Why is the Gold Coast popular for international students?

Lifestyle (beach, climate), affordability vs Sydney/Melbourne, English-language environment. Gold Coast schools have invested heavily in international student programs (CRICOS-registered, dedicated boarding houses + homestay programs).

What are the differences between All Saints, Coomera Anglican, and St Stephen's?

All Saints (Merrimac) is the largest, strongest academic record (~ICSEA 1100+). Coomera Anglican (Coomera) is in the rapidly-growing northern Gold Coast. St Stephen's (Coomera) is also Anglican, slightly newer foundation. All ~$22-30k Year 12.

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