
Catholic Schools in Wollongong/Illawarra and all you need to know. When it comes to your child’s education, the right school can make a world of difference. If you’re a parent in the Illawarra region and want to see your child thrive at school, exploring a Catholic education for your child is certainly worthwhile.
In this guide, we uncover the benefits of Catholic education at a Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong school, the enrolment process, costs, and why thousands of families choose these schools.
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong is committed to making high-quality education affordable and accessible to as many Illawarra families as possible. Read on to learn about the unique advantages of a Catholic education and discover how to find the best school for your child.
Catholic primary and high schools stand out for their commitment to academic excellence, spiritual growth, and character development. Here are some key benefits:
With dedicated teachers and a strong community network, Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong offers a high-quality education with opportunities for students to grow in their faith and values, achieve their learning potential, and develop in all aspects of who they are. They are committed to making this education affordable and accessible to as many Illawarra families as possible.
Illawarra & Wollongong Catholic schools offer something different – a high-quality education that provides students with opportunities to grow in their faith or values, achieve their learning potential, and develop in all aspects of who they are. The Catholic Diocese of Wollongong is dedicated to offering your child a Catholic education of holistic development, balancing academics, values, and community.
St Francis of Assisi Catholic Primary School, Warrawong
Looking for a Catholic primary school where your child can thrive and flourish? Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong is home to 13 Catholic parish primary schools, each offering a nurturing and inspiring learning environment. With their unique histories, missions, and personalities, they all share a common purpose to provide academic excellence and provide students with opportunities to find meaning and purpose through exploration in faith, learning, and wellbeing. Here’s why these Illawarra Catholic primary schools stand out:
The great news for parents is these Catholic primary schools are open for enrolments all year round and enquiries are encouraged. Follow one of the links above or give the school a call to enquire.
Explore other Illawarra Catholic schools close to home or work, with access to public transport here.
Looking for a high school that offers your child a wealth of opportunities both in and outside the classroom? Read on. Most parents seek a school that empowers their child to discover their passions, develop their talents, and become leaders in their own right.
Because of the diverse opportunities and daily life of Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong schools, each student can develop their character and the values they need to succeed. With the support of dedicated teachers and school leaders, your child can develop their character and values, as well as learn skills in resilience, teamwork, communication, and leadership, all while deepening their understanding of the world around them.
Illawarra Catholic schools foster a strong sense of community and responsibility, providing a range of ways for students to step up and lead.
Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong schools encourage students to explore their intellectual curiosity and develop a love of learning. Wherever their passion lies, students can explore their interests in a wide range of subjects, from science and technology to history and languages. With expert specialist teachers and access to modern facilities, students can also express their creativity through music, drama, dance, and visual arts.
With expert specialist teachers and access to modern facilities, students can express their creativity through music, drama, dance, and visual arts.
Illawarra Catholic high schools offer pathways for individual athletes, teams, and officials through Inter-school championship competitions; Gala Day events; Diocesan events; NSW Combined Catholic Colleges (NSWCCC) level; NSW All Schools level; National level (in selected sports).
The Illawarra boasts three exceptional Catholic secondary schools:
These schools nurture well-rounded individuals, ready to lead and succeed. To read more about any of these schools, visit Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong’s website.
Good news again, parents! You can make an enquiry, or apply to enrol, in any Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong school at any time. Simply visit their website to apply online.
For Kindergarten and Year 7 enrolments, we have listed CEDoW’s preferred enrolment timeline below to provide you with the best chance of being accepted into your preferred Catholic school.
Attending school open days is a great way to experience the school environment, meet teachers, and ask questions. Upcoming open days include:
Catholic education in Wollongong is generally perceived as affordable, with much lower fees than private schools, and no application costs. Estimated annual fees for one child start from $3,088 per year (2025) and rise to $3,900 in Year 11 of high school. Whilst there is cost involved, the fee structure allows:
For more details of annual fees, visit the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong’s fee page.
No! We can bust this myth right here. Catholic schools welcome students from all faiths and backgrounds. Though rooted in Catholic traditions, they emphasise values that resonate universally, such as kindness, respect, and responsibility. Discover if a Catholic education is right for your family with this helpful quiz.
Don’t miss the opportunity to provide your child with an education that fosters academic excellence, personal growth, and lifelong learning.
You’ll be joining thousands of Illawarra families who have chosen a Catholic education, so their child can develop, thrive, and succeed at school and beyond. This Parents Guide Illawarra article is sponsored by the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong. The goal is to support parents in making informed decisions about their child’s education. The Catholic tradition is dedicated to a high quality, values-based education that supports students to achieve their academic potential and develop their character. We wish every family and child success in education, whether in the Public, Private, or Catholic school system.
If you are after more information when it comes to making an informed choice regarding the best Catholic school for your child in Wollongong and the Illawarra, you can read more here.
Finally, make the most of family life in our stunning Illawarra – Subscribe to the ultimate guide to family living weekly email by Parents Guide. Say NO to bored kids and get inspired! Click and sign up for our Parents Newsletter here. Get all the local inspo!
Your Guide to Taking Care of Kids Teeth in Wollongong
Best Kids Birthday Party Venues, Packages, and Entertainers in Wollongong & Illawarra
Best Holiday Parks for Kids and Families – South Coast NSW
Best Illawarra Suburbs for Families
Moving to Wollongong & the Illawarra Region: What Families Need to Know
Best Toddler-friendly Playgrounds in Wollongong and the Illawarra
Best Beaches & Swimming Spots Wollongong, Illawarra and South Coast
5 Fantastic Family Adventures in the Illawarra
Best Parks for Kids Outdoor Parties in Wollongong & Illawarra
Best Parks & Activities for Big Kids & Teens across Wollongong & Illawarra
10 BEST Playgrounds in Wollongong, Shellharbour & Shoalhaven areas
Best Gated Playgrounds in the Illawarra!
Best babies, toddlers, school-aged and teen classes / after school activities
How to know your child is ready to start school
Where do Kids Eat FREE near me in Wollongong and the Illawarra?
What to do in Wollongong with a baby – New Parents Guide to The Illawarra
What to do in Wollongong with toddlers. Illawarra’s best kids activities
Click here for ideas on Illawarra outings you could do with your family to have quality family time
10 Family Friendly Cycle Rides in Wollongong. Best Bike Tracks in the Illawarra