Private School Guide - Illawarra & Wollongong

You may have already decided to send your child to a private school, but which school is best for your unique child? There are many factors to consider when choosing the right school. Parents Guide have simplified the process by researching the best Wollongong & Illawarra Private Schools. We look at the unique benefits, values, open days, virtual and on-campus tours, enrolment processes and more, for the best Illawarra and Wollongong Private Schools.

Whilst many schools host their Try Year 7 and Open Days earlier in February and March, you haven’t missed the boat. There are still plenty of opportunities to explore the potential of these private schools. Many have a wide range of virtual and on-campus tours available. Applications are currently open for Year 7 2025 and 2026 students, and enquiries welcome for all age groups catered for. Here is our summary of our local private schools:

Illawarra Christian School (ICS)

Private School Guide – Illawarra & Wollongong – Illawarra Christian School (ICS)

Illawarra Christian School (ICS) has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 1982 with one teacher and 10 children in the hall of a Woonona Presbyterian Church. Now located in Cordeaux Heights, ICS caters for boys and girls aged 3-5 years in Prep through to those in Primary and Secondary schooling. With continued commitment to retaining small class sizes, ICS pride themselves on catering for all interests and talents. This includes cultural exchanges, leadership development and problem-solving programs, academic decathlons, camps and musicals performed in professional theatres. Like many private schools, ICS integrates religious teachings into their academic curriculum, alongside a sharp focus on student growth and wellbeing supported by parent and carer engagement.

Places at ICS are in increasingly high demand so they recommend you submit applications as early as you can – at least two years in advance is best.

ICS’ enrolment process involves an online application, interview and student assessment. ICS offer a Try Year 7 for a Day around early March each year – however, multiple dates for school tours are available alongside the opportunity to arrange a private tour by contacting the enrolments team via [email protected] or 02 4239 5200.

The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS)

Private School Guide – Illawarra & Wollongong – The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS)

Located in Mangerton, The Illawarra Grammar School (TIGS) has demonstrated its commitment to growing from strength to strength. Opening its doors in 1959 as a small Anglican all-boys school before merging with Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School (SCEGGS) Gleniffer Brae as a co-ed school in 1976, TIGS now offers education founded on Christian values to over 900 boys and girls from Pre-Prep through to Year 12. Their 2023 Higher School Certificate (HSC) students demonstrated TIGS’ key values including academic excellence and future focused, with almost half achieving an ATAR of 80 plus. TIGS offer Academic, Music and Sport Scholarships and International Student Programme, among many opportunities discussed in their prospectus. Another useful service is door-to-door bus transportation from Stanwell Park to Nowra.

TIGS welcome input from carers to create an active community. One annual event you can see this in action – and explore the stunning grounds! – is their annual Great Fete, currently scheduled for Saturday 18^th May 2024. TIGS will then host an Open Day suitable for Prep to Year 12 on 29^th May 2024. Additionally, virtual tours of junior and senior schools are available.

Cedars Christian College

Private School Guide – Illawarra & Wollongong – Cedars Christian College

Beginning with 24 students from one church in 1981, Cedars Christian College is now a thriving school promoting forward thinking to approximately 745 boys and girls from over 60 churches aged Prep to Year 12. Cedars’ Prep welcomes children aged 3-5 years from 7:30am to 6:00pm, 48 weeks annually. Beyond Prep, Cedars’ Junior School covers Kindergarten to Year 4. With inclusion of Biblical studies and Devotions and strong focus on literacy and numeracy, Cedars’ holistic approach encourages students to learn and grow spiritually, intellectually, socially and physically. Music, language and gymnastics, for example, are highly regarded inclusions, and specialist Staff are on hand to satisfy individual requirements. Their new Vision Centre is also impressive!

One aspect that sets Cedars apart from most schools is its Middle School, supporting students in Years 5-8 transition from Junior School to Senior College. Senior College for Year 9-12 students offers a broad range of elective subjects and support to prepare for the HSC and workforce. Check out Cedars via virtual tour, on-campus experience or personalised tour. Cedars’ enrolment process involves an online form, interview, acceptance and orientation.

Edmund Rice College

With core values of compassion, dignity, service and solidarity, this Catholic school located in West Wollongong pride themselves on providing excellence in education and extra-curricular activities to inspire boys in years 7-12 to develop as critical and reflective thinkers. One of the longest-standing local private schools, established in 1926, Edmund Rice College is highly regarded for sport and creative arts. Students have opportunities to participate in over 20 sports at varying levels in both team and individual capacities. Their Year 12 2023 cohort exemplified the school’s mission for students to reach their full potential, with outstanding success in many areas, including industrial technology major projects nominations, early university admission, and secured apprenticeships and mentoring to fulfill career plans.

Edmund Rice College offers numerous scholarships, as well as a College Open Day and Try Year 7 for a Day for students in years 5-6 every February. If you missed this year’s events, request a school tour and commence the enrolment process online or by contacting the Registrar on 02 4228 4344.

St Joseph’s Catholic High School

Located in Albion Park, St Joseph’s Catholic High School is a co-educational school catering for children in a large radius from Gerringong and Kiama to Unanderra, Shellharbour and Warilla, and, of course, Albion Park itself. Established in 1982 with 140 students, St Joseph’s now educates approximately 730 students Years 7-12. Apart from embedding religious studies into their curriculum, motivation is a primary school value, enriching academic growth and maturity into higher education and adult life. In addition to academics, students are encouraged to broaden their spiritual, social and physical development, engaging students in community events and extracurricular opportunities and programs. Alongside strong sporting accolades, St Joseph’s are also recognised for student success in debating, public speaking and theatrical arts, with opportunities to participate in their annual school musical.

Whilst their Open Afternoon and Information Evening for Year 7 2025 and 2026 students have taken place, a virtual tour remains available and applications for enrolment open all year. The school can also be contacted on 02 4230 8500.

St Mary Star of the Sea College

Located metres away from Wollongong harbour, St Mary Star of the Sea College has been providing education based on the tradition of the Sisters of the Good Samaritan to girls in Years 7-12 for over 150 years. This school prides itself on fostering curiosity, creativity and learning, as illustrated by impressive results from 2023 HSC students across broad subjects. Complementing a love of learning, the school’s holistic approach aims to instil a love of God, hospitality, stewardship and peace. Additionally, students are encouraged to engage with local community, including the recent i98FM Radio Challenge, collaboration on The Junior WONDERer publication, and sporting events.

St Mary Star of the Sea College are now taking enrolments for Year 7 2025 and 2026 students. Register for their Try Year 7 Expo and Tours on 7^th March 2024 here. College tours are also available throughout the year. If you are unable to secure a position in these events online, contact the enrolments team via [email protected] or 02 4228 6011.

St Paul’s Albion Park

Established in 1882 with two Sisters teaching 40 students, this primary parish school located in Albion Park now offers Catholic education to boys and girls in Kindergarten to Year 6. Recognising individual needs of each child, this school integrates a Response to Intervention approach to ensure inclusivity for all to engage with the curriculum in accordance with their learning, wellbeing and behavioural requirements. Involvement from parents and carers with designing personalised learning plans is encouraged to achieve the benefits of collaborative education. Complementing the focus on improved learning, students are provided with opportunities to enhance sporting and creative talents and spiritual development. Furthermore, St Paul’s have a partnership with nearby St Joseph’s to support smooth transition into secondary schooling.

If you are considering St Paul’s for your child, you can contact the office via [email protected] or 02 4256 2772 to arrange an appointment to meet with the principal and have a tour of the school grounds and facilities. You can also view the grounds on video and commence the enrolment process online.

Calderwood Christian School

Located in the stunning Calderwood Valley, this school prides itself on strong community spirit and welcomes boys and girls aged Prep to Year 12. With a personalised approach to teaching through a Christian worldview in small class sizes, students are supported to confidently flourish in numerous areas, including academics, sports, creative arts and languages. Furthermore, outdoor learning opportunities as well as wellbeing and enrichment programs are broadly integrated into the curriculum and Year 9 students offered the opportunity to engage in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Scheme. Check out loads of amazing student achievements and contributions within the community on their news and events page.

Details regarding the enrolment process and associated fees are available online. Get a better feel for the school by attending one of their tours held throughout March and April. Additionally, you may contact the enrolments office via [email protected] or 02 4230 3700 to arrange a private tour or lodge a general enquiry online.

ASPIRE

Cedars Christian College ASPIRE, is specifically for children with an intellectual disability and/or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This new Illawarra School for Special Purpose is just 10 minutes south of Wollongong, retains strong integration into the Cedars’ mainstream school and community, all whilst allowing maximum support for its neuro-diverse students.

Cedars ASPIRE school is structured in such a way to allow maximum support for its students, but also strong integration and support into the Cedars’ school community. If your child has an ASD diagnosis, an intellectual impairment and is experiencing academic challenges, then ASPIRE supports your child academically and emotionally. They are currently accepting enrolments this year for Year 3 – 6, and Year 7 in 2025.

How much do Illawarra & Wollongong Private Schools cost?

Every Illawarra Private School has a different fee structure. However as broad guide, Catholic schools are generally more affordable with lower fee’s, starting around $4,300 per year for Year 7. Illawarra Christian School starts at more like $9,300 per year for year 7. TIGS starts around $24,980 per year for year 7. St Mary Star of the Sea starts at over $7,488 for tuition fees per year for year 7. Please note, fee’s are subject to change and are estimated only in this guide. Private School fee’s generally increase year on year as the child progresses through school. However most private schools offer sibling discounts.

Fee structure is also a big consideration, given privately funded schools are naturally significantly more costly than Government funded public education. With that said, however, you may find many schools are receptive to discussions regarding financial hardship, scholarships and also the fee reduction for multiple children.

Final considerations for choosing the right Illawarra Private School for your child:

Alongside location and available transport options, one of the main considerations when choosing the most appropriate private school for your child may be regarding the curriculum, academic achievement and the religious context in which it is delivered. Don’t be afraid to ask questions from other community members who have attended the school to solidify confidence in their ability to practice what they preach.

Other points worthwhile considering include:

Approach to student wellbeing
parent and carer engagement
co-curricular opportunities (check out their social media pages!)
range of mandatory and elective subjects
HSC performance and other student accolades
current staff credentials and specialties
size of school, including student-teacher ratio
availability of special needs support

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