A B Paterson College vs Somerset College
A B Paterson College (Arundel) and Somerset College (Mudgeeraba) are both independent schools on the Gold Coast. Both are co-educational. Both teach P-12. A B Paterson College has 1,652 students and Somerset College has 1,612 (ACARA 2025). They are about 18.2 km apart in a straight line.
Photos: A B Paterson College (school website) · Somerset College (school website)
See both schools’ full fees, ATAR results and cost to Year 12
Every year level’s fees from each school’s own schedule, the results each school publishes, and the total cost to Year 12, side by side.
Compare these schools in full →A$9.99 a year, cancel anytimeSecure payment by Stripe
Key numbers
Students, ICSEA, students per teacher and girls/boys: ACARA My School 2025 (students per teacher is total enrolments divided by full-time-equivalent teaching staff; it isn’t class size).
Fees and results
Side by side
| Fact | A B Paterson College | Somerset College |
|---|---|---|
| Suburb | Arundel | Mudgeeraba |
| Region | Gold Coast - North | Mudgeeraba - Tallebudgera |
| Sector | Independent | Independent |
| Students | Co-ed | Co-ed |
| Year levels | P-12 | P-12 |
| Religion | Non-denominational (Christian ethos) | No religious affiliation stated |
| Boarding | No | No |
| Senior years | QCE | QCE |
| Facilities and sport (school site) | Gym, Theatre / performing arts centre, Early learning centre, Library, Australian rules football, Soccer, Netball, Cricket, Basketball, Swimming, Athletics, Tennis, Hockey, Volleyball, Water polo | Swimming pool, Gym, Indoor sports centre, Theatre / performing arts centre, Early learning centre, Library, Science / STEM labs, Australian rules football, Netball, Basketball, Rowing, Swimming, Athletics, Tennis, Hockey, Volleyball |
| Distance apart | About 18.2 km in a straight line | |
Facts from ACARA (2025) and each school’s own website.
Which suits whom
- Families choosing by faith: A B Paterson College is Non-denominational (Christian ethos); Somerset College is No religious affiliation stated.
- Location: A B Paterson College is in Arundel (Gold Coast - North); Somerset College is in Mudgeeraba (Mudgeeraba - Tallebudgera).
- Listed by A B Paterson College but not Somerset College: Soccer, Cricket and Water polo.
- Listed by Somerset College but not A B Paterson College: Swimming pool, Indoor sports centre, Science / STEM labs and Rowing.
History
A B Paterson College
A.B. Paterson College was founded in 1989 by a group of local business and community leaders who wanted an independent school grounded in strong values and an appreciation of Australian heritage. It is non-denominational with a Christian ethos and teaches Prep to Year 12 at Arundel.
Source: abpat.qld.edu.au
Somerset College
Somerset College opened on 27 January 1983 with 158 students in Years 1 to 8 and reached 248 by the end of its first year. Its first Year 12 class graduated in 1987.
Source: somerset.qld.edu.au
Questions parents ask
What is the difference between A B Paterson College and Somerset College?
Both are co-educational. Both teach P-12. A B Paterson College has 1,652 students and Somerset College has 1,612 (ACARA 2025).
Is A B Paterson College or Somerset College co-ed?
Both are co-educational.
Which is bigger, A B Paterson College or Somerset College?
A B Paterson College is bigger: 1,652 students against 1,612 (ACARA 2025).
How many students per teacher do A B Paterson College and Somerset College have?
A B Paterson College has 14.6 students per teacher and Somerset College has 14.7 (ACARA My School 2025: total enrolments divided by full-time-equivalent teaching staff).
Which is older, A B Paterson College or Somerset College?
Somerset College is older. A B Paterson College was founded in 1989 and Somerset College in 1983.
Do A B Paterson College and Somerset College take boarders?
Neither takes boarders.
How far apart are A B Paterson College and Somerset College?
About 18.2 km in a straight line: A B Paterson College is in Arundel and Somerset College is in Mudgeeraba.
How do A B Paterson College and Somerset College fees compare?
Each school publishes its own fee schedule. Members see both schedules year by year, the results each school reports and the total cost to Year 12. Always confirm current fees with the school.
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School profiles
Get the full picture: fees, ATAR results and cost to Year 12
Every year level’s fees from each school’s own schedule, the results each school publishes, and the total cost to Year 12, side by side.
Compare these schools in full →A$9.99 a year, cancel anytimeSecure payment by Stripe
Source and date
Enrolment, ICSEA, students per teacher and girls/boys: ACARA My School 2025. Other facts: each school’s website, checked 21 October 2026. Distance is a straight line between the schools’ map points, not travel distance. Check details with the schools before deciding. Methodology