Independent schools recorded the highest growth rate (3.3%), followed by Catholic schools (1.0%). Ellouise Roberts, ABS head of education statistics, noted: “Over the past decade, enrolments in independent schools increased by over 25% (130,306). In comparison, government school enrolments rose 11% (263,447), followed by an 8% (58,773) rise in Catholic school enrolments over the same period”. Part of the preference for independent schools might relate to the fact that they offer smaller class sizes, in addition to better facilities. It will be interesting to watch whether rising cost-of-living pressures (including soaring mortgage repayments) leads to an exodus from private schools in 2023 and 2024.

Source: The Guardian February 16, 2023 23:05 UTC