MLC School vs Northside Montessori School

	M MLC School Sydney, Australia	N Northside Montessori School Sydney, Australia
Snapshot	Snapshot
Fees / year	Fees / year A$350 - 58,578	Fees / year A$15,986 - 24,950
Age range	Age range 4 - 18 years	Age range 1 - 18 years
Type	Type Girls School	Type Co-educational
Curriculum	Curriculum IB (DP), Australian Curriculum	Curriculum Australian Curriculum, IB (DP)
Pupils	Pupils 1,191	Pupils 144
Typical class size	Typical class size —	Typical class size —
Instruction language	Instruction language English	Instruction language English
Opened	Opened 1886	Opened 1978
Bus service	Bus service No	Bus service No
Essentials	Essentials
Location	Location MLC School is on Rowley Street, Burwood, NSW 2134, about 11 kilometres from the city of Sydney. Strathfield and Burwood stations are a seven-minute walk from the school. The campus has ready access to bus, train and expressway links.	Location 42 Bobbin Head Road, Pymble, NSW 2073, Australia. The school is in Pymble, a suburb on Sydney's Upper North Shore.
Stages	Stages Junior School Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6; Senior School Year 7 to Year 12.	Stages Toddler to Year 12 (Early Learning to Secondary).
School type	School type Independent girls' school affiliated with the Uniting Church in Australia.	School type Co-educational; IB World School offering the Diploma Programme (DP) and is a Diploma Programme Candidate School.
Pupil nationality mix	Pupil nationality mix —	Pupil nationality mix —
Additional learning support	Additional learning support Learning is personalised; English and Mathematics instruction is tailored to each girl's learning needs.	Additional learning support —
Country affiliation	Country affiliation Australia	Country affiliation Australia
Religious affiliation	Religious affiliation Uniting Church in Australia	Religious affiliation —
School day structure	School day structure —	School day structure —
Bus service details	Bus service details MLC operates six regular bus services to and from the School and one extra AM-only route. Bus routes connect Cronulla, Caringbah, Blakehurst, Hurstville; Illawong, Padstow Heights, Oatley, Narwee, Belfield, Strathfield; Marrickville, Dulwich Hill, Summer Hill, Ashfield, Croydon; Lane Cove, Hunters Hill, Gladesville, Drummoyne, Five Dock; Woolwich, Hunters Hill, Putney, Concord, Breakfast Point; Balmain, Rozelle, Leichhardt, Haberfield. The Rollcall bus tracking app lets parents see their daughter's location on the route.	Bus service details —
Fees	Fees
Fee details	Fee details Application & Enrolment Fees - Application Fee (paid on application): - Australian students: AUD 350 (GST included). - Overseas (full-fee paying) students: AUD 550 (GST included). - Final Enrolment Fee (paid after offer to secure the place): - Australian students: AUD 3,500 (non-refundable). - Overseas students: AUD 5,900 (non-refundable). Tuition Fees — 2026 (Domestic / Australian students) - Pre-Kindergarten (5 days): Annual AUD 29,124 — Per term AUD 7,281. - Pre-Kindergarten (3 days): Annual AUD 17,780 — Per term AUD 4,445. - Kindergarten: Annual AUD 25,740 — Per term AUD 6,435. - Year 1: Annual AUD 26,312 — Per term AUD 6,578. - Year 2: Annual AUD 26,312 — Per term AUD 6,578. - Year 3: Annual AUD 30,732 — Per term AUD 7,683. - Year 4: Annual AUD 33,072 — Per term AUD 8,268. - Year 5: Annual AUD 33,872 — Per term AUD 8,468. - Year 6: Annual AUD 36,168 — Per term AUD 9,042. - Year 7: Annual AUD 41,300 — Per term AUD 10,325. - Year 8: Annual AUD 42,656 — Per term AUD 10,664. - Year 9: Annual AUD 43,672 — Per term AUD 10,918. - Year 10: Annual AUD 43,672 — Per term AUD 10,918. - Year 11: Annual AUD 44,904 — Per term AUD 11,226. - Year 12: Annual AUD 44,904 — Year 12 tuition is billed over Terms 1 to 3; Per-term invoice amount (Terms 1–3) AUD 14,968. Tuition Fees — 2026 (Full-fee paying Overseas students) - Pre-Kindergarten (5 days): Annual AUD 38,636 — Per term AUD 9,659. - Pre-Kindergarten (3 days): Annual AUD 23,588 — Per term AUD 5,897. - Kindergarten: Annual AUD 34,156 — Per term AUD 8,539. - Year 1: Annual AUD 36,828 — Per term AUD 9,207. - Year 2: Annual AUD 36,828 — Per term AUD 9,207. - Year 3: Annual AUD 40,748 — Per term AUD 10,187. - Year 4: Annual AUD 46,112 — Per term AUD 11,528. - Year 5: Annual AUD 47,268 — Per term AUD 11,817. - Year 6: Annual AUD 49,568 — Per term AUD 12,392. - Year 7: Annual AUD 54,444 — Per term AUD 13,611. - Year 8: Annual AUD 55,844 — Per term AUD 13,961. - Year 9: Annual AUD 57,240 — Per term AUD 14,310. - Year 10: Annual AUD 57,240 — Per term AUD 14,310. - Year 11: Annual AUD 58,576 — Per term AUD 14,644. - Year 12: Annual AUD 58,578 — Year 12 tuition is billed over Terms 1 to 3; Per-term invoice amount (Terms 1–3) AUD 19,526. Billing Schedule & Payment Terms (2026) - Fee statements are issued at the start of each term and are payable within 14 days of issue. - 2026 term due dates (statements expected at the start of each term): - Term 1 due date: Tuesday 10 February 2026. - Term 2 due date: Tuesday 5 May 2026. - Term 3 due date: Tuesday 4 August 2026. - Term 4 due date: Tuesday 27 October 2026. - Year 12 accounts are billed at the beginning of Terms 1, 2 and 3 (rather than four-term billing). - A late payment fee of AUD 75 applies if fees are not paid by the due date each term. A student cannot commence a new term while the previous term's fees remain unpaid. - Withdrawal requires at least one full school term's written notice to the Principal; failing to give notice incurs one term's tuition fee in lieu of notice. Boarding Fees - Boarding is not applicable. MLC School operates as a day school for girls from Pre‑Kindergarten to Year 12. Other Costs & Fees - Uniforms and equipment are purchased through the School's Uniform Shop and online store; second‑hand uniform and textbook options are available via a sustainable second‑hand platform. Families should expect separate charges for uniform and stationery purchases. - Co-curricular activities, sport and other program charges may incur additional fees and are billed separately through the School's payments systems (these are not included in tuition). - Parents & Friends (P&F) subscription is optional but encouraged; Building Fund donations are tax-deductible and are separate from tuition and enrolment fees. - Sibling discount on tuition: 10% reduction for the second child and 12.5% for the third and subsequent children while siblings are simultaneously enrolled. Refunds & Fees Insurance - Application Fees and Final Enrolment Fees are non‑refundable and are not credited towards tuition. - Fees Insurance (optional and charged each term) is available; it provides for a refund of tuition fees for the period a student is absent from school for two or more consecutive weeks due to sickness or accident (claims require supporting documentation such as a doctor's certificate). Fee Payment Options - Accepted payment methods include: BPAY (preferred), online credit card payments, direct deposit, credit card payments by telephone, mail, and payment at a CBA branch. The School has partnered with Edstart for alternative payment plans (subject to approval and separate Edstart terms and fees). Key Administrative Notes - All enrolment fees are non‑refundable and are not credited towards tuition. - Termly statements should be checked on receipt; contact Accounts Receivable promptly if a statement is not received to avoid late payment penalties.	Fee details Application & Placement Fees - Application Fee: AUD 165 (non-refundable). - Placement Fee: AUD 1,600, payable on acceptance of an offer of placement (non-refundable and non-transferrable). Tuition fees by year group (annual and per-term amounts) - Preschool (3–4 year olds, Monday–Friday 8:30am–11:45am): Annual tuition AUD 15,986; per term (annual ÷ 4) AUD 3,996.50. Annual levy AUD 1,458; per term AUD 364.50. Montessori Home Environment (11:45am–2:45pm) is charged at AUD 28 per day (charged separately). - Kindergarten: Annual tuition AUD 15,986; per term AUD 3,996.50. Annual levy AUD 1,831; per term AUD 457.75. - Years 1–6 (Primary): Annual tuition AUD 15,986; per term AUD 3,996.50. Annual levy AUD 2,035; per term AUD 508.75. - Years 7–10 (High School): Annual tuition AUD 18,427; per term AUD 4,606.75. Annual levy AUD 3,165; per term AUD 791.25. - Year 11 (International Baccalaureate): Annual tuition AUD 24,950; per term AUD 6,237.50. (No separate annual levy amount is listed for Year 11 in the published fee schedule.) - Year 12: No specific annual tuition or levy is listed for Year 12 in the 2026 fee schedule. Notes on what school fees and levies cover: School fees and levies include text resources, sporting activities (including swimming lessons), excursions and incursions, camps and overseas trips, a school-provided laptop and classroom desktops, student insurance and general classroom resources and equipment. Billing schedule and payment terms - Fees are billed in November for the following calendar/school year (billed annually). Payment is by ten (10) monthly direct debit instalments (February to November), processed from a nominated bank account on the 5th of each month. Fees unpaid by the due date attract an administration charge of AUD 25 per week overdue. Fees and levies are payable for the whole year of enrolment; no deduction is made for non-attendance. Credits for completed School Support Hours are recognised at the end of each term and applied to the next monthly direct debit instalment. OOSH and Montessori Home Environment (MHE) are billed at the end of each term and added to the next monthly instalment; Vacation Care fees are payable when the booking is made. Boarding fees - Boarding is not listed as a provision; no boarding fees are published in the school's fee schedule. The school operates day programs and offers Out of School Hours Care (OOSH), Vacation Care and Montessori Home Environment. Other costs and recurring charges - Northside Montessori Society Membership Fee: AUD 65 per family. - Fundraising raffle: AUD 300 (recoverable if raffle tickets are on-sold). - School Support Hours Program: AUD 800 (recoverable on completing the program; credits applied as described above). - Building Fund donations (voluntary, tax-deductible in Australia for donations of AUD 2 or more): suggested amount of AUD 100 per monthly instalment. Annual receipts issued in July. - Out of School Hours and related daily/session charges (additional to tuition): - Before School Care (BSC): AUD 12 per day. - After School Care (ASC): AUD 32 per day. Late pick-up fee: AUD 10 per each 5 minutes or part thereof after 6:00pm. - Vacation Care: AUD 75 per day; Vacation Care with incursion AUD 95 per day. - Montessori Home Environment (MHE) for 3–4 year olds: AUD 28 per day (11:45am–2:45pm). - Toddler Program (walking to 36 months) and Toddler & Transition Program fees (term-based) are published for infant programs (examples from the infant program listing: AUD 360 per 10-week term; AUD 380 per 10-week term for certain sessions). These additional program charges are billed separately as described above. - Co-curricular activities (music, sport, languages, robotics, etc.) are charged in addition and are paid directly to the activity provider. Sibling discounts - Sibling discounts apply to school tuition fees only and are allocated to the oldest child in the family (not available for siblings enrolled in the Infant Community Program). The published discounts are: 2nd child 25% of school fees; 3rd child 50% of school fees; 4th child 75% of school fees; 5th and subsequent child 100% of school fees. Refunds, cancellation and withdrawal terms - Application Fee: non-refundable. Placement Fee: non-refundable and non-transferrable. - Withdrawal notice: withdrawal of a student requires at least one (1) full term's written notice to the Principal to expire at the end of a term. If the required notice is not given, one (1) school full term's fee is payable in lieu of the required notice. For a student leaving at the end of Year 6, an extended notice period of at least three (3) full terms' notice is required (to be given by the end of Term 1); failure to provide the required notice will similarly attract one term's fee in lieu. Credits for completed School Support Hours are applied to the next instalment as described above. Fee payment methods and processing - Regular tuition and levies are collected by ten (10) monthly direct debit instalments from a nominated bank account (processed on the 5th of each month, February–November). OOSH and MHE are billed at the end of each term and added to the next monthly direct debit instalment; Vacation Care fees are payable at the time of booking. No other specific payment methods (credit card, BPAY, bank transfer) are listed in the published fee schedule.
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 MLC School offers two senior pathways for Years 11 and 12: the Higher School Certificate (HSC) and the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB). The school is non-selective and supports students to pursue the pathway that best suits their interests and goals. A Year 10 subject selection process gives students agency to shape their future. IB provides breadth and global focus, while HSC provides depth in chosen subjects. Alumnae go on to study at world-renowned universities and institutions, including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Juilliard, and the London School of Music. These pathways prepare students for tertiary education.	Curriculum details Authentic Montessori education across Early Learning, Primary and Secondary. The High School commenced in 2022 with Year 7 and will continue to add years up to Year 12 by 2027. Years 7–10 work toward the NSW RoSA, with all coursework meeting NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) requirements. For Years 11–12, the school is NESA registered and offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Our teachers are accredited with NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) and have Montessori qualifications, and our senior high school teachers are IB trained.
Student teacher ratio	Student teacher ratio —	Student teacher ratio —
Exam results	Exam results MLC School offers both the HSC and IB Diploma in Years 11-12. In 2025, 131 Mentions on the HSC Distinguished Achievers List were recorded, with 49 students (59% of the HSC cohort) named on the list. Three students achieved the IB score of 45, and five more attained 44. Twenty-one students earned IB Certificates of Distinction. Six students were recognised as HSC All-round Achievers by achieving a high result in at least 10 course units.	Exam results —
Higher education progression	Higher education progression Alumnae progress to higher education at world-renowned institutions including Cambridge, Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Princeton, Juilliard, and the London School of Music.	Higher education progression —
Gifted and talented	Gifted and talented All Rounder Scholarships are offered for Year 5 (2027 entry) and Year 7–11 (2028 entry) to applicants who demonstrate significant academic potential and achievement in two or more areas: Leadership; Cultural/creative/performing arts; Service; Sport. Some scholarships are means tested. Music Scholarships for Year 7 (2028 entry) are awarded to applicants who achieve excellent entrance results and are exceptional musicians; recipients must participate in the full music program from Year 9 to Year 12 and meet specified performance standards. Edna Curtis Scholarships are for daughters of Old Girls who achieve excellent results and meet all-rounder criteria. The Principal's Scholarship for Year 10 (2028) supports new entrants and covers up to full remission of tuition fees for the three years of attendance, with an entrance examination and supporting documentation required. Indigenous Scholarships are means-tested and available for Indigenous girls entering Junior School or Year 7.	Gifted and talented —
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 Entry Points: MLC School has formal entry points at Pre-Kindergarten – Early Years (must turn 4 by 31 May in entry year), Kindergarten – Early Years (must turn 5 by 31 May), Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 11 (spaces available to commence either the Higher School Certificate or the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme). Entry at other Year levels is at the discretion of the Principal. Applications should be made as early as possible as waiting lists exist for a number of entry years. Enrolment Steps: STEP 1 – Complete the online enrolment application and pay the application fee; entry is not academically selective. The School accepts enrolment applications any time after birth; for applications submitted less than two years before the required entry year, contact the Registrar. After the completed application and fee are received, the girl is placed on a waiting list; keep contact details up to date or the place on the waiting list may be forfeited. STEP 2 – Register for a school tour. STEP 3 – Attend an interview approximately two years prior to entry. STEP 4 – Complete the Enrolment Contract and pay the Final Enrolment Fee (due 10 days after the offer). STEP 5 – Take part in the orientation program. Conditions and preferences: Preference for limited places is given to daughters of Old Girls and current families, but this is not guaranteed. Entry years are not guaranteed and depend on meeting enrolment steps. Fees and finance: Enrolment Application Fee for Australian Students is A$350; Overseas Students A$550. Final Enrolment Fee for Australian Students is A$3,500; Overseas Students A$5,900. Fees are non-refundable. Tuition fees are separate and can be accessed via Omnia; for queries contact the Registrar. Overseas enrolment: Overseas Student Enrolment is available; CRICOS: 02328D.	Admissions 1. Enquire: Prospective families use the enquiry form to request further information about enrolling with Northside Montessori School and to speak with the Enrolments Registrar (EI). This step initiates the enrolment process and helps families understand how their child can flourish within the Montessori program. The Registrar provides information to guide the next steps. The enquiry does not commit the family to enrolment. 2. Book a Tour: Northside Montessori School invites families to visit so they can see the campus in action and learn about the Montessori approach. It is an opportunity to explore the school, meet students and staff, and ask questions about how the program supports a love of learning. The visit helps families decide if the school is the right fit. 3. Apply: Applications for entry are made online and are a pre-requisite for enrolment but do not guarantee a place. A non-refundable Application Fee per child is payable at the time of application, and payments are made via the secure system. The school gives preference to siblings of current students, children transferring from other Montessori schools, and to children currently enrolled in the Montessori Toddler program; application date and balance of ages and genders in multi-age classes are considered. 4. Interview with the Principal: If suitable, the school contacts families to arrange an interview with the Principal. The interview provides an opportunity to discuss expected Montessori outcomes and the family's understanding of the Montessori approach. All enrolments are subject to the outcome of the enrolment interview. 5. Acceptance and Attend Orientation Day: Following a successful interview, an enrolment offer is made and a non-refundable Placement Fee is payable upon acceptance. Before starting, families receive an invitation to attend an orientation in the classroom and meet the teacher. Parents must keep their address and contact details current; if the school cannot contact them and there is no response, the enrolment may be cancelled.
Scholarships	Scholarships MLC School offers a range of scholarships: All Rounder Scholarships (Year 5 2027; Year 7–11 2028), Music Scholarships (Year 7 2028), Edna Curtis Scholarships (Year 7 2028), Principal's Scholarship for Year 10 2028, Indigenous Scholarships. The majority of scholarships require an entrance examination; shortlisted candidates attend a Scholarship Activity Day and an interview. Some scholarships are means-tested. Scholarships for Year 7–11 2028 entry have dates: Registrations Open 29 June 2026; Close 30 September 2026; Testing Day 17 October 2026. For Year 5 2026–27 entry: Registrations Open 28 April 2026; Close 28 July 2026; Testing Day 8 August 2026. All Rounder Scholarships for Year 5 2027 offer 50% tuition relief for Year 5–12 (conditions apply). Music Scholarship details include minimum AMEB grade or equivalent; applicants must provide evidence from their instrument teacher. Edna Curtis Scholarship is for daughters of Old Girls; Principal's Scholarship for Year 10 2028 covers up to full tuition remission for three years and is open to new applicants only (Australian residents); applications require an entrance examination and financial documentation. Indigenous Scholarships are means-tested for entry to Junior School or Year 7; general enrolment application by 30 January prior to entry; Year 7 applicants must sit the scholarship examination and shortlisted candidates are interviewed. For more information, email registrar@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.	Scholarships Bursaries and financial support: Northside Montessori School provides bursaries to families in necessitous circumstances. This assistance applies to tuition fees only; levies and other charges must be paid in full. Bursary decisions are made by the Bursary Committee, and the Principal may grant a fee discount or waiver up to half a year's full tuition for one student; greater relief requires Board approval. All bursary applications are confidential and awarded based on means testing and commitment to Montessori education, with annual review. Further details can be found in the Bursary Policy.
Waitlist	Waitlist Waiting lists exist for a number of entry years. After a completed online enrolment application and payment of the application fee, a girl is placed on the waiting list. Parents should keep contact details up to date; if the School cannot contact the family, the waiting list place may be forfeited. Preference for limited places may be given to daughters of Old Girls and current families, but this is not guaranteed. Entry years with waiting lists are determined by the School and are not guaranteed.	Waitlist Waitlist: If you wish to defer the entry date to a date later than the initial accepted date, the School will advise whether it is able to agree to this. If the School is unable to agree, the student's date of application will be amended to the date the deferment was requested. The student will then be placed on a waiting list for the new requested date; however, enrolment cannot be guaranteed.
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