International Chinese School vs The King's School

	I International Chinese School Sydney, Australia	T The King's School Sydney, Australia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year A$12,132 - 13,820	Fees / year A$5,300 - 49,980
Age range	Age range 5 - 12 years	Age range 4 - 18 years
Type	Type Co-educational	Type Boys School, Boys School (boarding), Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)
Curriculum	Curriculum Australian Curriculum	Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (DP), Australian Curriculum
Pupils	Pupils 33	Pupils 2,157
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size 9
Instruction language	Instruction language English, Mandarin	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 2015	Opened 1831
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location 211 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065, North Shore, Sydney, NSW, Australia	Location The King's School is located at 87-129 Pennant Hills Road, North Parramatta, NSW 2151, Australia. The main Parramatta campus serves Pre-K to Year 12, and the Preparatory School is set within 320 acres of native Australian bushland. Tudor House is the Southern Highlands campus catering for girls and boys.
Stages	Stages Kindergarten to Year 6 (K-6). Early Stage 1 – Kindergarten; Stage 1 – Year 1–2; Stage 2 – Year 3–4; Stage 3 – Year 5–6.	Stages Pre-K to Year 12
School type	School type Bilingual K-6 Anglican Christian primary school.	School type Independent school; specialists in boys' education; boarding is central to School life.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support —	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Australia	Country affiliation Australia
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Anglican (Anglican Christian tradition).	Religious affiliation Christian
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details —	Bus service details King's operates 13 daily and two weekly bus services. Pick-up and drop-off occur at the School turning circle for Prep and Senior campuses. The services have fixed timetables and routes, with fixed cost per term, and use fully air-conditioned buses with a regular driver. Public transport options are available, and a School Opal card can be used for non-King's buses or trains.
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Enrolment / Application fees - Application Fee: AUD 200 (non-refundable). Overseas applications incur an additional AUD 200. - Acceptance (Enrolment) Fee: AUD 1,000 (non-refundable) payable within 14 days of an offered place. Overseas applicants must also pay the first term's fees in advance to secure the offer (first term's fees for overseas applicants are non-refundable). Tuition fees and Service Charges (per year group) - Years K–2: - Annual tuition: AUD 10,460. - Tuition per term: AUD 2,615. - Annual service charge: AUD 1,672. - Service charge per term: AUD 418. - Years 3–4: - Annual tuition: AUD 10,460. - Tuition per term: AUD 2,615. - Annual service charge: AUD 2,360. - Service charge per term: AUD 590. - Years 5–6: - Annual tuition: AUD 10,460. - Tuition per term: AUD 2,615. - Annual service charge: AUD 3,360. - Service charge per term: AUD 840. Sibling and other fee concessions - Sibling discounts applied to tuition only (not to Service Charges): 2nd child 10%; 3rd child 12.5%; subsequent children 15%. - Christian Ministry Workers Discount: 40% off tuition for children of Christian ministry workers; part-time ministry workers receive a pro-rata discount. Documentation of employment as a Christian Ministry Worker must be supplied at enrolment. - Bursaries: not offered at point of enrolment; may be offered occasionally to current families meeting temporary financial hardship criteria. Billing schedule and payment terms - All Fees and Charges are to be paid in advance, at the end of the first week of each term. Fees on amended accounts and mid-term enrolment invoices are payable within seven days of the invoice date. - The School will debit the nominated account as completed on the Direct Debit Request form (Direct Debit is the stated payment mechanism for regular fee collection). - Overdue and non-payment terms: - Accounts unpaid 21 days after the due date incur an overdue charge to cover administrative and collection costs. - Accounts not paid in full within 60 days of the due date may lead to suspension of the student's enrolment and the Principal may refuse entry and/or terminate enrolment. Withdrawal and refund information - Parents must give at least one full term's notice in writing to the Principal before terminating enrolment. - If insufficient notice is given, the parent is required to pay one term's school fees (this amount is treated as a genuine pre-estimate of loss). - Application Fee and Acceptance Fee are non-refundable. Overseas applicants' advance first-term fee is non-refundable when used to secure an offered place. Other costs and charges - Service Charges cover classroom consumables, textbooks, photocopying, excursions and sports (including transport) and are charged annually and per term as noted above. - Voluntary contributions: Building Fund and Library Fund donations (tax-deductible for donations of AUD 2 or more). These are voluntary and separate from Fees and Charges. - Uniforms: uniform items are supplied through the school's official uniform shop (Cowan & Lewis School Wear). Orders can be made online and collected from the school; specific uniform item prices are set by the supplier. - Before/After School Care: before and after school care is available during term time (before school from 7:00am; after school until 6:00pm). Permanent bookings require an application process (applications for permanent care are made in Term 4 of the preceding year). Specific session fees or casual rates are managed separately and are not published in the fee schedule. Fee payment options - The School's stated regular fee collection method is by debiting the nominated account via a Direct Debit Request form. Parents should complete the Direct Debit Request to nominate the account to be debited. For other payment methods or one-off payments, contact the Registrar for accepted options and instructions. Notes on enforcement and adjustments - The School Board sets the Schedule of Fees and Charges annually and reserves the right to vary fees by written notice. - No remission of fees is made for student absence due to illness, leave, suspension, or expulsion unless otherwise determined by the School in exceptional circumstances.	Fee details Application and enrolment fees - Registration fee: AUD 300 per student (non-refundable). - Student Enrolment fee: AUD 5,000 per student (non-refundable and non-transferable), payable at the time of enrolment. Tuition fees (day students) — amounts shown as Yearly / 10 monthly instalments / Termly (Terms 1–4 unless noted) - Pre-Kindergarten: AUD 30,980 / AUD 3,098 / AUD 7,745. - Kindergarten: AUD 30,980 / AUD 3,098 / AUD 7,745. - Year 1: AUD 32,460 / AUD 3,246 / AUD 8,115. - Year 2: AUD 32,460 / AUD 3,246 / AUD 8,115. - Year 3: AUD 35,980 / AUD 3,598 / AUD 8,995. - Year 4: AUD 35,980 / AUD 3,598 / AUD 8,995. - Year 5: AUD 42,440 / AUD 4,244 / AUD 10,610. - Year 6: AUD 42,440 / AUD 4,244 / AUD 10,610. - Year 7: AUD 46,640 / AUD 4,664 / AUD 11,660. - Year 8: AUD 46,640 / AUD 4,664 / AUD 11,660. - Year 9: AUD 47,180 / AUD 4,718 / AUD 11,795. - Year 10: AUD 47,180 / AUD 4,718 / AUD 11,795. - Year 11: AUD 49,980 / AUD 4,998 / AUD 12,495. - Year 12: AUD 49,980 / AUD 4,998 / AUD 16,660 (Year 12 tuition is billed over three terms: Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3). Boarding fees — amounts shown as Yearly / 10 monthly instalments / Termly - Year 7: AUD 35,840 / AUD 3,584 / AUD 8,960. - Year 8: AUD 35,840 / AUD 3,584 / AUD 8,960. - Year 9: AUD 39,200 / AUD 3,920 / AUD 9,800. - Year 10: AUD 39,200 / AUD 3,920 / AUD 9,800. - Year 11: AUD 40,080 / AUD 4,008 / AUD 10,020. - Year 12: AUD 38,370 / AUD 3,837 / AUD 12,790 (Year 12 boarding fees are billed over three terms: Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3). Additional and recurring costs - Digital textbooks (Box of Books): Years 7–10: AUD 294 per year (including GST), billed at the beginning of Term 1; Years 11–12 depend on subject choices and are billed at the beginning of Term 2 where applicable. - Technology fee (Laptop Program): Years 7–10: AUD 461 per term / AUD 1,844 per year. Devices must be purchased through the School's portal; optional insurance available for an additional fee. - VET subject charges (Years 11–12): charged separately depending on subject; may attract government rebates. - Day-boy lunch option: Years 7–11: AUD 600 per term / AUD 2,400 per year; Year 12: AUD 600 per term / AUD 1,800 per year. Pre-K to Year 6 may order and pay for lunch via portal. - Camps, excursions and subject-related charges: camps (Years 5–6 and other compulsory camps) and excursions are charged separately; parents are advised of final costs and these are typically included on term invoices. - Music and other co-curricular activities: charged separately as advised for each activity. - Bus services (King's-operated): AUD 529 per term (Kindergarten–Year 12). - Uniform initial cost (full regulation uniform including sports uniform): approximately AUD 2,150. - Cadet Corps uniform (approximate initial cost): AUD 375 (Year 8). - Occasional boarding (up to three nights per week): AUD 180 per day. - Excursion and Amenities Levy for Pre-K to Year 6: charged in the first invoice of the school year; does not cover overnight camps. - Sibling discounts: Tuition fees: 10% concession for younger brother(s); Boarding fees: 15% concession for second boarder and 30% for third and subsequent boarders. Sibling concessions do not apply to a child holding a Scholarship or other remission. Billing schedule and payment terms - Termly payment: fees are due and payable in full two weeks prior to the first day of each term. - Direct debit instalments: eligible parents may apply to pay by regular direct debit instalments; eligibility requires accounts to be up to date. Ten monthly direct debit billing runs February–November. - Invoicing: the School issues invoices for termly payments; all fees are shown and billed in Australian dollars (AUD) only. The School does not accept cash for fee payments. - Late payment: a default charge of AUD 250 per term applies to fees not paid within 21 days of rendering the account. Students with outstanding fees may be prevented from commencing a new term or participating in discretionary activities. - Withdrawal notice: at least one full term's written notice is required to terminate enrolment. If the required notice is not given, a term's fees (tuition and boarding where applicable) are immediately payable. Refunds and fee changes - Refund policy: payments made to the School are not refundable. - Fee variation: the School may change fees and charges from time to time, generally providing parents one term's notice of any variation. Accepted payment methods and options - Accepted payment channels: online payments via the School's payment portal / QuickWeb and via direct debit. Credit card payments (MasterCard, Visa or American Express) attract a surcharge based on the fee charged to the School (a stated example surcharge is 1.3% where applicable). BPAY payments do not attract an additional charge. The School accepts payments in AUD only. - Extended payment options: the School offers an extended payment facility in partnership with Edstart to spread payments over a longer period; applications are made via Edstart. Notes on inclusions and GST - Tuition fees generally include the majority of academic, extra- and co-curricular activities; separate charges apply for items such as technology, textbooks, stationery, excursions, camps and certain VET subjects. GST is generally not applied to educational tuition but may apply to specific goods and services (for example, the food component of boarding fees).
Diving deeper	Diving deeper
Boarding arrangements	Boarding arrangements —	Boarding arrangements —
Uniform requirement	Uniform requirement —	Uniform requirement —
Food options	Food options —	Food options —
House system	House system —	House system —
Governance and ownership	Governance and ownership —	Governance and ownership —
Academics	Academics
Curriculum details	Curriculum details The International Chinese School is a bilingual K-6 Christian school in the Anglican tradition, with learning delivered through English and Mandarin. The school is the first and only NSW school approved by the NSW Education Standards Authority to deliver half the curriculum in Mandarin. Primary learning follows the NSW Education Standards Authority's Key Learning Areas, structured as Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten); Stage 1 (Year 1–2); Stage 2 (Year 3–4); and Stage 3 (Year 5–6). The Key Learning Areas are English, Mathematics, Science and Technology, Human Society and Its Environment (History and Geography), Personal Development, Health and Physical Education, Creative Arts, and Languages (Mandarin). Music education is delivered across Years 1–6 by a specialist music teacher, with private lessons and co-curricular programs; co-curricular music opportunities are planned to expand to choir and instrumental ensembles. The teaching approach includes Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), with learning in Mandarin for Key Learning Areas while English continues to be used, supporting a bilingual immersion model.	Curriculum details The Preparatory School uses the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) to deliver the NSW curriculum with a global emphasis. Learning unfolds through six Units of Inquiry that integrate Science, History and Geography, the Arts, Mandarin and Physical Education in authentic contexts. Specialist classes include Music, Visual Arts, Woodwork, Physical Education, Biblical Studies, Mandarin and STEM. Educational Support Services provide targeted assistance, and the Enrichment & Extension Program supports gifted and talented students through one-on-one or small-group instruction, with opportunities to engage in external competitions such as the da Vinci Decathlon, Maths Challenge, Maths Olympiad and Write a Book in a Day. The program emphasizes inquiry-based learning, character development and a holistic approach to education.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results 2024 NAPLAN results show Year 3 cohort as part of ICS's seventh participation in NAPLAN; ICS was among the top-performing schools on the Lower North Shore in average performance across tested areas; 42% of ICS students come from a language background other than English. Year 3 results: Reading 458, Writing 473, Spelling 490, Grammar 454, Numeracy 495. Year 5 results are not available due to the small cohort (fewer than 11 students).	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression —	Higher education progression The King's School supports graduates into universities and tertiary institutions in Australia and abroad through Global Tertiary Pathways, with high academic results guiding entry to commendable universities. The school hosts SAT testing as an accredited international test centre and offers the SAT Suite (PSAT8/9, PSAT10, PSAT/NMSQT) and Advanced Placement (AP) exams as part of its higher-education pathway, with registration and testing coordinated through the US College Board. Cambridge and Oxford admissions tests information is also provided for select courses.
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented Selective High School preparation sessions are offered to prepare students for selective high schools. These targeted sessions were introduced in 2024 to support this pathway.	Gifted and talented Gifted and talented students are supported through the Enrichment & Extension Program, with a specialised Extension and Enrichment teacher delivering differentiated instruction and rigorous challenges; identified students may participate in external competitions such as the da Vinci Decathlon, Maths Challenge, Maths Olympiad and Write a Book in a Day.
Academic calendar	Academic calendar —	Academic calendar —
Wellbeing & support	Wellbeing & support
Social & emotional learning	Social & emotional learning —	Social & emotional learning —
Special educational needs (SEN)	Special educational needs (SEN) —	Special educational needs (SEN) —
English as an additional language	English as an additional language —	English as an additional language —
Mental wellbeing	Mental wellbeing —	Mental wellbeing —
Safeguarding	Safeguarding —	Safeguarding —
Safeguarding policy	Safeguarding policy —	Safeguarding policy —
Facilities	Facilities
Facilities overview	Facilities overview —	Facilities overview —
Sports facilities	Sports facilities —	Sports facilities —
Academic facilities	Academic facilities —	Academic facilities —
Extra curricular facilities	Extra curricular facilities —	Extra curricular facilities —
Parent experience	Parent experience
History	History —	History —
Community	Community —	Community —
Parent teacher association	Parent teacher association —	Parent teacher association —
Extra-curricular	Extra-curricular
Academic & intellectual	Academic & intellectual —	Academic & intellectual —
Arts & creative	Arts & creative —	Arts & creative —
Cultural & language	Cultural & language —	Cultural & language —
Social & hobbies	Social & hobbies —	Social & hobbies —
Community & service	Community & service —	Community & service —
Leadership & professional	Leadership & professional —	Leadership & professional —
Lifestyle & wellbeing	Lifestyle & wellbeing —	Lifestyle & wellbeing —
Language provision	Language provision
Language provision	Language provision —	Language provision —
Bilingual teaching	Bilingual teaching —	Bilingual teaching —
Immersion programs	Immersion programs —	Immersion programs —
Reputation	Reputation
Awards	Awards —	Awards —
Accreditations	Accreditations —	Accreditations —
Admissions	Admissions
Admissions	Admissions 1. Expression of Interest: Fill out the Expression of Interest Form. The Registrar will invite families to join a school tour. If the child is on a visa, indicate the visa subclass in the form's 'Any further comments' field. This step initiates the enrolment process. 2. Enrolment Application Form: Complete the Enrolment Application Form. A non-refundable $200 application fee is required to process the application. Once received, the application will be reviewed and placed on a waitlist. A confirmation email is sent on receipt. 3. Family Enrolment Interview: As there are more applicants than positions, not all applicants proceed to an enrolment interview. The School will contact you if a position becomes available for an interview. The interview is an opportunity for the Principal to get to know the family and ensure that values and expectations align. Enrolment positions are offered at the sole discretion of the Principal. 4. Letter of Offer: Successful applicants are issued a Letter of Offer. To accept the offer, the Letter of Acceptance and ICS Conditions of Enrolment must be signed and returned, along with payment of the $1000 Enrolment Fee. The offer lapses if it is not accepted within the timeframe indicated on the Letter of Offer. 5. Confirmation of Enrolment: You will receive an email from the Registrar to confirm the enrolment of your child.	Admissions Step 1: Intake points and eligibility. The King's School has four intake years: Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Year 5 and Year 7. From time to time there may be vacancies in non-intake years, and the Admissions Office should be contacted to discuss availability. The 31 March cut‑off birth date applies to the intake year to determine the correct grade level. Step 2: Application and waitlist. Enrolment applications are placed on a waitlist and progress is subject to vacancies; not all applications progress to an interview or an offer of a place. The enrolment registration fee is AU$300 and is non-refundable. Step 3: Campus-specific intake timelines. The Preparatory School (Pre‑K to Year 6) is currently interviewing for entry in 2027 with limited placements for 2026; Tudor House (Pre‑K to Year 6) and Boarding from Years 3 to 6 are interviewing for 2026 and beyond; Senior School (Years 7 to 12) is currently interviewing for day and boarding entry in 2027 and beyond. Step 4: Scholarships and bursaries overview. Scholarships and bursaries are available for entry to Years 7 to 11; awards are governed by terms and conditions and may continue for the duration of enrolment. Some bursaries are means‑tested to assist with boarding costs. Applications for the 2027 Scholarships and Bursaries Program have closed; information for 2028 opens upon registration. Step 5: International applicants. To apply as an international student, complete the online registration and include supporting documents (e.g., last 2 years of school reports translated into English, birth certificate, passport, AEAS results where relevant, extra‑curricular certificates, medical notes). AAU$300 non-refundable registration fee is required. English language proficiency is required, with AEAS testing for Years 7–11 and specific minimum AEAS scores by year. The King's School operates under ESOS framework and provides orientation for new international students; the School does not use recruitment agents. For entry, international students may join from Tudor House (Years 3–6) or Senior School (Years 7–12), typically at the start of the academic year.
Scholarships	Scholarships The School does not offer scholarships at point of enrolment. Bursaries may be offered from time to time to families that already have children enrolled in the School and who meet temporary financial hardship. Examples of such hardship include death of a spouse or unforeseen loss of employment.	Scholarships Scholarships and bursaries are available for entry to Years 7 to 11; awards are governed by specific terms and conditions and may continue for the duration of enrolment, up to Year 12. Some bursaries are means-tested to assist with boarding costs. Applications for the 2027 Scholarships and Bursaries Program have now closed; to receive information about when the 2028 program opens please register.
Waitlist	Waitlist After submitting the Enrolment Application Form, a non-refundable $200 application fee per applicant is required to process the application. Once received, the application will be reviewed and placed on a waitlist.	Waitlist Enrolment applications are placed on a waitlist and progressed subject to vacancies; not all applications progress to an interview or offer. The enrolment registration fee is AU$300 and is non-refundable.
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