The peak organization representing Australia’s 1,240 independent schools has urged state and federal governments to increase funding support as enrolments in private education continue to rise. Graham Catt, chief executive of Independent Schools Australia (ISA), emphasized the need for funding to be maintained and indexed accurately to address the actual cost pressures schools face, particularly those related to teacher salaries driven by workforce shortages rather than ordinary inflation.

Catt warned that if funding fails to keep pace with these costs, the pressure will inevitably translate into tighter school budgets, increased family fees, and reduced affordability and choice for parents. He advocated for funding models that follow students regardless of the sector in which they enrol and called for policies that prevent fee hikes or reduced options that could disadvantage families already contributing substantially to their children’s education.

“Governments should not cut or freeze support in a way that drives up fees, reduces choice, or punishes families who are already contributing significantly,” Catt said. He also called for a fair, needs-based funding structure that supports every student, respects family choice, acknowledges the significant financial contribution of independent school families, and keeps schooling options affordable. “We are not arguing for a blank cheque. We are arguing that no child should be excluded from public support because of the school their parents choose,” he stated.

Data shows that parents of private school students contribute approximately AUD 11.2 billion annually toward education costs. Australian education funding is jointly provided by state and federal governments, supplemented by parental fees, donations, and some private philanthropy.

According to a national schooling report for 2024, government funding allocated per student stands at AUD 19,564 for government schools, AUD 16,590 for Catholic schools, and AUD 13,826 for independent schools, excluding capital funding. When capital funding is included, the disparity widens: public schools receive AUD 26,140 per student, whereas Catholic and independent schools receive AUD 16,280 and AUD 13,550, respectively. Government base funding for private school students is also adjusted based on families’ estimated capacity to contribute, taking income into account.

An ISA survey of parents with children in private schools found that more than 50 percent were unaware of the existing funding gaps between school sectors. The survey also revealed broad support for government funding to support schooling choice, with 91 percent of respondents endorsing such measures. Additionally, 86 percent of independent school parents believed all students, regardless of their school type, should receive government support, while 76 percent favored funding growth aligned more closely with the Consumer Price Index.