School fees and tuition for private schools in Port Macquarie and surrounds

There’s a range of private, religion-based and indepentent school options across the Coast, from Coffs Harbour to Port Macquarie, Taree to Kempsey. But how much will they set you back? Find out here.

There’s a range of private, Catholic, Christian and independent schools on the Mid North Coast, each with their own advantages, facilities and prices.

Some are more expensive than others, but none reach the dizzying heights of capital city private schools where prices are inching towards the $40,000 mark in some areas.

With over 30 schools to pick from across the Mid North Coast, finding the right fit can be tricky – read on to learn more about each, and how affordable they are.

Bishop Druitt College | Coffs Harbour

Bishop Druitt College is a co-ed K-12 school in Coffs Harbour.

Driven by the purpose of transforming the lives of its students, the school prides itself on being innovative and inclusive.

The college features new facilities such as a wellbeing hub, virtual and augmented reality laboratory, school-farm partnership Farnworth, STEAM Lab and a 1GB network bandwidth making it the fastest school on the Mid North Coast.

Yearly tuition to the school costs $7008 for K-2, $7200 for 3-6, $9816 for 7-10, $10,520 for Year 11/12.

Family discounts are available, with 20 per cent off for the second child, 30 per cent off for the third, and 40 per cent of for each child thereafter.

Read more about Bishop Druitt College’s fees here.

Casuarina Steiner School | Coffs Harbour

Casuarina Steiner School in Coffs Harbour caters to co-ed students from Kindergarten to Year 9.

The institution has a natural theme of timber and stone, as seen in the main hall, classrooms, library, and even outdoors in the gardens and play area, which features a sandpit.

School fees are $5241 annually, with additional cultural and maintenance levies to be paid on top.

Discounts apply for families with more than one child, with 15 per cent off for a second child and 30 per cent off for the third.

A 2 per cent discount is also offered for pupils who pay their tuition early.

Read more about the school’s pricing here.

Coffs Harbour Christian Community School, Coffs Harbour.

Coffs Harbour Christian Community School | Bonville

Coffs Harbour Christian Community School is a co-ed institution that caters to all year groups, from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The school aims to teach all subjects from a biblically Christian perspective.

Established in 1981, the Bonville campus has expanded over the years, now boasting 160 acres of prime riverfront land. Enrolment prices vary depending on year group, with K-6 paying $3220 annually, $4880 for 7-8, and $5220 for 9-12.

Alternatively, whole families can pay $10,900 in tuition a year.

Other expenses include year and subject levies, sport, optional activities and more.

Read about the school’s fees here.

Heritage Christian School | Port Macquarie

Heritage Christian School in Port Macquarie caters from kindergarten to Year 12.

The co-ed institution strives to deliver an education that “instructs the mind, shapes the heart and equips the hands”.

The school applies a visible learning approach, based on work from Professor John Hattie from Melbourne Education Research Institute.

School fees vary with grades, with primary students (Kindergarten – Year 6) paying $3754 annually, $4846 for Year 7/8/9/10, and $5273 for Year 11/12. Sibling discounts apply.

Additional charges include an external activities levy (changing with year groups; $90 for K-2, $120 for 3-6 and $190 for 7-12) and building fund ($200 annually per family).

Read more about Heritage’s pricing here.

Kempsey Adventist School, Kempsey.

Kempsey Adventist School | Kempsey

Kempsey Adventist School (KAS) is a co-ed institution in Kempsey that offers classes for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12.

Owned and operated by Seventh-Day Adventist Schools, KAS belongs to one of the largest Protestant education systems in the world.

A new innovation lab was built in 2018, complete with a number of classrooms, workbenches, laser cutters/printers/etchers, robotics resources and more.

Pre-Kindy fees are $20 per day, with prices for primary and secondary students varying based on year group.

Tuition is $1880 for Kindergarten to Year 6, $2230 for Year 7/8, $2640 for Year 9/10, and $2900 for Year 11/12.

An additional building levy of $180 is charged each year per family.

Discounts apply for siblings, with 6 per cent off for both pupils in the case of a second child, 12 per cent for all in three-child families, and 40 per cent off for each student in families of four or more children.

Read more about KAS pricing here.

MacKillop College | Port Macquarie

Co-ed MacKillop Senior College in Port Macquarie caters to high school students.

Pupils from Year 11 and 12 have access to a range of facilities at school, including a modern library with a podcasting studio, basketball courts, a creative and performing arts centre, gymnasium, hospitality centre, indoor and outdoor chapels, an indoor multipurpose centre, industry-standard wood and metalwork spaces, a learning hub, marine and aqua technology learning centre, physiology and anatomy labs, STEM resources, a study centre, tennis courts and a theatre.

The school is one of three St Agnes’ Catholic Parish secondary schools in the city.

Juniors (Year 7, 8, 9, 10) are charged $3747, and seniors pay $4179 in tuition fees annually.

MacKillop also offers discounts for siblings in the same family; 15 per cent for three, 25 per cent for four, 30 per cent for five, and 33 per cent for six+.

You can read the fee schedule here.

Manning Adventist Bush School | Tinonee

From Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6, Manning Adventist Bush School aims to provide children with a dynamic, Christ-centred learning environment.

Based in Tinonee, students engage in the key learning areas of bible, English, mathematics, science and technology, HSIE, creative arts and PHDPE.

Tuition for Pre-Kindy is $10 per day, and $1880 annually for primary school pupils.

Additional fees are charged for K-6, including $100 for stationary, $200 for resources and technology, and $400 for sport and excursions.

Family discounts apply, with 15 per cent off for second siblings, 30 per cent off for third, and 40 per cent off each child for four or more.

Read more about Manning Adventist Bush School’s fees here.

Manning Valley Anglican College | Cundletown

Manning Valley Anglican College, based in Cundletown, caters to both primary and secondary students.

From Kindergarten to Year 6, classrooms are complete with resources such as interactive whiteboards and art areas in close proximity to learning and play spaces.

As students move into their senior years, they begin to split classes between a wider variety of learning spaces with both generalised and more specialised areas.

Tuition varies depending on grade; $1850 for Kindergarten, $2044 for Year 1, $2266 for Year 2, $2530 for Year 3/4/5/6, $2724 for Year 7, $2917 for Year 8, $3148 for Year 9/10, and $3437 for Year 11/12.

Additional fees are charged for the resources/activities levy.

Read more about the school’s prices here.

Mary Help of Christians Primary | Sawtell

Guided by the Holy Family, Mary Help of Christians Primary strives to nurture the development of its students in a safe and caring environment.

The Sawtell institution, based in northern Coffs Harbour, offers its students a range of co-curricular through clubs like choir, art, chess, drama, gardening, Minecraft and more.

The co-ed school offers classes for Kindergarten to Year 6. The annual tuition for a single student is $2703, with discounts for multi-child families; $4946.55 for two pupils, $6649.50 for three, and $7730.70 for four, and free for the fifth and beyond.

See more about enrolling at the primary school here.

Mt St John’s Primary | Dorrigo

Mt St John’s Primary is a co-ed learning institution in Dorrigo.

The small school takes pride in knowing every student, and works closely to support each individual’s learning journey.

The Catholic school is guided by the teachings of the Church, and belongs to the Parish of Bellingen.

Mt St John’s welcomes new families to visit the school for a tour.

Yearly tuition is $1126, with an additional $50 in resource fees.

Sibling discounts are on offer for multi-pupil families.

Find out more about enrolment at the school here.

Nambucca Valley Christian Community School | Nambucca Heads

Nambucca Valley Christian Community School (NVCCS) is a co-ed school that caters to students from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The Nambucca Heads school is family-based and Christ-centred, with a teacher commitment to every student.

This institution features an auditorium, library hub, woodwork and metalwork rooms, as well as drama and music rooms.

Tuition fees start from $45 per week, varying between year groups - starting at $2055 for Kindergarten and going up to $3320 for Year 10/11/12.

Additional levies are charged, with discounts available for multi-child families.

You can find out more about enrolment at NVCCS here.

Newman Senior Technical College | Port Macquarie

Having opened their doors over 40 years ago, Newman offers Year 11 and 12 students a unique learning experience like no other school in Port Macquarie.

In addition to studying their HSC, Newman pupils are offered a combination of specialised on- and off-the-job training in state of the art facilities with industry-standard equipment.

Students attend the college campus four days a week, and complete hands-on training in workplaces across the Mid North Coast the remaining day each week.

Annually, the Newman tuition is $3906 per pupil.

Discounts are offered for families with three or more children; 15 per cent for the third, 25 per cent for the fourth, 30 per cent for the fifth, and 33 per cent for six or more.

You can find out more about the school’s fee schedule here.

Port Macquarie Adventist School, Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie Adventist Primary School | Port Macquarie

Port Macquarie Adventist Primary School offers co-ed learning for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6.

The Christ-centred school community offers an education that helps students grow their mindset and relationship with Jesus Christ.

The Port Macquarie-based school also has exceptional sporting infrastructure with two tennis courts, an indoor basketball stadium and a large grassy area for outdoor play.

Pre-Kindy students are charged a daily fee of $35, as well as an enrolment deposit of $200 per child and $125 building and maintenance fee per family.

Primary students pay an annual tuition of $3235, with the same additional levies, and discounts for siblings.

Secondary annual tuition is $3735, with the same additional fees and an extra $600 for camps and excursions.

Family discounts see a deduction of 15 per cent for the second child, 30 per cent for the third, 45 per cent for the fourth and fifth+ are free.

Find out more about the school’s fees here.

Port Macquarie Steiner School, Port Macquarie.

Port Macquarie Steiner School | Port Macquarie

2022 is Port Macquarie Steiner School’s fifth in operation.

It offers a wholehearted Steiner education for Kindergarten to Year 4, and recently received NESA registration to offer progression to Year 5.

The institution aims to instil a love of learning in its students, and encourage them to take an active role in their own education.

Outside of tuition, the school charges a maintenance levy ($300 per family each year), insurance levy ($25), pre-enrolment fee ($50 application fee per child), bond ($600) and an enrolment fee ($200).

Total tuition fees for Kindergarten is $1103, and $1187 for Year 1, 2, 3 and 4.

Read more about the school’s costs here.

St Agnes’ Primary School, Port Macquarie.

St Agnes’ Primary | Port Macquarie

St Agnes’ Primary offers a range of rich learning opportunities for Kindergarten to Year 6.

The co-ed institution offers representative opportunities for sports-orientated students in swimming, athletics, cross country, soccer, softball, rugby union, netball, tennis, basketball, touch football, hockey, cricket, AFL and rugby league.

Annually, St Agnes’ charges $2568 per pupil.

But discounts are offered for families with three or more children; 15 per cent for three, 25 per cent for four, 30 per cent for five, and 33 per cent for six+.

You can read the St Agnes’ fee schedule for both its primary and secondary schools here.

St Augustine’s Primary | Coffs Harbour

Established in 1913, St Augustine’s is a strong Coffs Harbour Catholic primary school.

It caters to both boys and girls from Kindergarten to Year 6.

The school offers something for every kind of student, with the biannual Firefly Arts Festival, music tutoring, biannual school musicals, and a variety of lunchtime clubs including chess, gardening, skipping, yoga, photography, robotics and more.

Families pay $3633 in tuition for each student, with discounts for siblings; $6648.45 for two pupils, $8937.30 for three, and $10390.50 for four, and free for the fifth and beyond.

See more about the school’s fees here.

St Clare’s High School, Taree.

St Clare’s High School | Taree

St Clare’s Taree aims to inspire, challenge, educate and support its students in a co-ed learning environment.

Classes are offered for Year 7-12 with co-curricular activities in the areas of skills, volunteering, adventurous journey and physical recreation.

Tuition fees vary depending on year group, with additional costs for application and enrolment fees, textbook deposits, sport and building levies, excursions, and more.

Junior students (Year 7, 8, 9, 10) are charged $1792 for the first student, with discounts for siblings; $1523.20 for the second, $1344 for the third, $896 for the fourth, and $896 for the fifth+.

Senior students (Year 11, 12) pay $2724 for the first child, with discounts thereafter; $2315.40 for the second, $2043 for the third, $1362 for the fourth, and $1362 for the fifth+.

Read more about St Clare’s costs here.

St Columba Anglican School | Port Macquarie

St Columba Anglican School caters to K-12 in a co-ed learning environment.

Its vision is to transform the lives of students by offering the educational opportunities that will allow them to have lives of purpose, service and engagement.

In addition to annual fees, the school charges a camp/activity/resource fee each year, both of which vary in price depending on the year group.

These combined equal; $7230 (Kindergarten), $7355 (Year 1), $7375 (Year 2), $7587.50 (Year 3), $7617.50 (Year 4), $7917.50 (Year 5), $8000.50 (Year 6), $8847.50 (Year 7), $8807.50 (Year 8), $10,157.50 (Year 9), $9880 (Year 10), $10,502.50 (Year 11) and $10,392.50 (Year 12).

Extra costs are associated with certain subjects and electives, plus application and acceptance fees for each student.

A sibling discount is available on tuition fees, with 20 per cent off for the second child, 30 per cent for the third, and 40 per cent for four or more.

Read more about St Columba’s pricing here.

St Francis Xavier Primary School | Woolgoolga

The St Francis Xavier Primary School in Woolgoolga caters to students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

The co-ed institute is rooted in the vision “serve every learner”.

Sport and co-curricular clubs are run through the school, including lunchtime groups like art, chess, ukulele, drama, quiet club, Lego, Minecraft, Mini Vinnies and gardening.

The annual tuition for a single student is $2703, with discounts for multi-child families; $4946.55 for two pupils, $6649.50 for three, and $7730.70 for four, and free for five or more.

See more about the school’s fees here.

St John Paul College | Coffs Harbour

St John Paul College provides a high quality Catholic education to children on the Mid North Coast, drawing students from as far south as Scotts Head, north to Corindi and west to Dorrigo.

The co-ed facility caters to Year 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 students, with co-curricular activities like choir, debating, music, public speaking, retreats and more on offer.

Families pay $3633 in tuition for each student, with discounts for siblings; $6648.45 for two pupils, $8937.30 for three, $10,390.50 for four, and free for the fifth and beyond.

See more about St John Paul College’s fees here.

St Joseph’s Regional College | Port Macquarie

St Joseph’s Regional College caters for approximately 1100 students from Years 7 to 12, forming part of St Agnes’ Parish Secondary Schools.

The co-ed school is anchored in faith. Juniors (Year 7, 8, 9, 10) are charged $3747, and seniors pay $4179 in tuition fees annually.

Regional also offers discounts for families with three or more children; 15 per cent for three, 25 per cent for four, 30 per cent for five, and 33 per cent for six+.

You can read the St Agnes’ fee schedule for both its primary and secondary schools here.

St Joseph’s Primary, Laurieton.

St Joseph’s Primary | Laurieton

This Laurieton school is proud of their longstanding tradition of welcoming generations of students to the institution’s community.

St Joseph’s Primary offers co-curriculars such as band, dance, choir, drama, and clubs dedicated to STEM, gardening, Lego and the school podcast.

Annual tuition per student is $1860, with further discounts offered for siblings: $3436 for two-child families (15 per cent off for second student), $4552 for three-child families (40 per cent off for third child), and $4552 (fourth child free).

Read more about school fees for St Joseph’s here.

St Joseph’s Primary | Port Macquarie

St Joseph’s Primary School is one of six that combine to form excellence in education in the Parish of St Agnes’.

The Port Macquarie facility is co-ed, and is made up of students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

Co-curricular activities at the school include choirs, gardening club, band and musical tutorials, reading and homework groups, academic competitions, school discos and more.

Students are charged $2568 in tuition fees annually, with discounts available for families with three or more children; 15 per cent for three, 25 per cent for four, 30 per cent for five, and 33 per cent for six+.

You can read the St Agnes’ fee schedule for here.

St Joseph’s Primary School, Taree.

St Joseph’s Primary | Taree

The St Joseph’s Primary community celebrates and appreciates the rich cultural diversity of its students.

Located in Taree, the school provides co-ed learning from Kindergarten to Year 6.

Creative students are supported through St Joseph’s co-curricular offerings such as choir and ASPIRE.

The school’s newly formed Gifted Education Mentor (GEM) assists teachers in identifying and catering lessons to high performers in the classroom.

Families pay $1312 per year for each student they enrol in the school, with fee deductions for siblings: two children (15 per cent discount each), three children (25 per cent discount each), four+ (50 per cent each).

Further fees apply, with more information available here.

St Joseph’s Primary, Wauchope.

St Joseph’s Primary | Wauchope

St Joseph’s Primary in Wauchope offers co-ed learning for Kindergarten to Year 6.

Working collaboratively, the school provides quality education for students through meaningful, innovative learning and faith-filled experiences.

St Joseph’s features flexible and adaptive learning spaces, with the hope of enhancing and deepening student learning.

An annual fee of $640 (family building levy) and a one-off charge of $120 and is levied on all families, plus annual fees of $450 (resource fee), $80 (technology fee) for each child.

Yearly tuition is an additional $664 for each student, at $166 per term.

Find out more about St Joseph’s school fees here.

St Josephs Primary | Kempsey

St Josephs Primary in West Kempsey is driven by their mission to nurture and educate all students, in partnership with their families, in order for them to achieve their full potential spiritually, academically, socially and emotionally.

The co-ed institution offers classes for Kindergarten to Year 6, as well as access to iHub and library resources.

Annually, St Josephs charge each student a general levy fee of $60, and each family a $630 school services levy, in addition to tuition.

The base fee for each student’s annual tuition is $1232, with further discounts for three children or more.

Families will receive a 10 per cent discount for three children, 30 per cent for four, 40 per cent for five, and 50 per cent for six.

Find out more about the school’s fees here.

St Mary’s Primary School | Bowraville

St Mary’s in Bowraville is a unique school set in the picturesque Nambucca Valley with a predominantly indigenous enrolment.

The co-ed facility welcomes students from Kindergarten to Year 6.

St Mary’s operates on their ‘DEADLY’ mantra: encouraging students to be a Decision maker, show Empathy, display a good Attitude, be Determined, show Love for one another and understand that You are responsible.

Annual tuition for a single child is $1012, but discounts apply for families with multiple children: $1724 for two, $2232 for three, and free for four or more. Read more about the school’s fees here.

St Mary’s Primary School | Bellingen

St Mary’s Primary School is a co-ed facility located on the Mid North Coast in Bellingen.

The school offers curriculums for Kindergarten to Year 6, rooted in quality education that is both purposeful and personalised.

Student wellbeing is prioritised at St Mary’s, with meditation and reflection, restorative practice, an environment club, and more on offer.

Annual tuition for a single child is $1694, in addition to a technology levy of $75 per child each year.

Discounts apply for families with more than one child; $3180 for two (38.9 per cent off), $3956 for three (60.49 per cent off), and $3956 for families with four, five or six children (100 per cent off).

Find out more about fees here.

St Patrick’s Primary School, Macksville.

St Patrick’s Primary | Macksville

St Patrick’s Primary School is based in Macksville, with the mission of teaching the good news of Jesus Christ.

The co-ed learning institution offers classes for Kindergarten through to Year 6, as well as digital technology, indigenous education, representative sport and more.

St Patrick’s is guided by the Catholic Schools Office Position Paper, meaning they can offer avenues to further develop specific talents of high potential learners.

Annually, the school charges $1920 (including the $155 building levy).

While the levy remains the same for all students, there are tuition discounts for families with multiple children; $3020 for two, $4080 for three, and $4780 for four.

Learn more here.

St Paul’s Catholic Secondary College | Kempsey

St Paul’s in West Kempsey offers co-ed learning for Year 7-12.

The institution is founded upon the Gospel teachings of respect, equality, justice and peace.

While it’s a Catholic college, St Paul’s welcomes local students from all faith backgrounds.

Annual tuition per student, including the school services levy ($630) paid by each family in Term 1, is $2343 (Years 7-10), or $2785 (Year 11-12).

The school offers a multi-student discount, with a 10 per cent deduction for third siblings, 30 per cent for fourth, 40 per cent for fifth and 50 per cent for sixth.

You can read more about St Paul’s school fees here.

St Peter’s Primary | Port Macquarie

St Peter’s Primary in Port Macquarie is focused on building a school culture that supports its students emotionally and socially.

The school is co-ed and offers classes for Kindergarten through to Year 6.

Enrichment programs are available in the areas of dance, band and drama.

There are early payment and multiple student discounts available, as well as a small fee deduction for those who pay annually.

Students are charged $2568 in tuition fees each year, with discounts available for families with three or more children; 15 per cent off for three, 25 per cent off for four, 30 per cent off for five, and 33 per cent off for six+.

Browse the St Peter’s Primary handbook here.

Tallowood Steiner School | Bowraville

Tallowood Steiner School offers classes for students in Kindergarten, through to Year 6.

Located in the Mid North Coast’s beautiful rural Bowraville, Tallowood offers small class sizes to enable a healthy amount of individual attention for each child.

The institution features an undercover basketball court, a sheltered climbing playground, a new nature play area, raised garden beds and more.

There is a one-off enrolment fee of $100, as well as a yearly book levy of $168, in addition to the annual tuition.

Per term, the school charges $378 for the first child, with sibling discounts of $300 (second child), $247 (third child) and free (fourth+ child).

Annually, the tuition for a single child is $1512.

Read more about enrolment here.

Taree Christian College | Taree

Taree Christian College offers co-ed learning for both primary and secondary.

The K-12 institution, also known as MidCoast Christian College, works to empower students to fulfil their God-given potential and make a difference in their world for Christ.

There are currently plans in place to expand to a new campus in Forster.

This Taree school offers high school students the opportunity to complete the Duke of Edinburgh International Award, which is a co-curricular that helps develop leadership skills.

The annual tuition fees are calculated according to each year level, starting at $3100 for Kindergarten and going up to $5700 for Year 12.

Read more about enrolment here.

The Nature School | Port Macquarie

The Nature School in Port Macquarie focuses on supporting each child as they learn and shine through authentic experiences in nature.

The school is co-ed and offers classes for Kindergarten to Year 6 – from next year, The Nature School will also offer secondary classes up to Year 10.

A one-off acceptance fee of $380 will need to be paid for new enrolments, as well as an annual building levy of $420.

The tuition fees for Kindergarten to Year 2 is $3570 a year, or $3790 for Year 3+.

The school also offers a sibling discount of $170 for families with more than one child, who have paid the full year’s tuition in advance by the Term 1 due date.

You can find out more here.