Independent schools are a vital part of Australia’s education system. They offer choice, diversity and excellence to families nationwide.
But that’s not all there is to know about their impact.
4 million students are enrolled in schools across Australia, and 18% of those – 716,848 students – attend Independent schools. In fact, we are the fastest growing education sector in Australia by far.
Most Independent schools charge fees below $6,000 per year, with the median fee at just $5,537.
60% of Independent school students come from low and middle-income families, demonstrating the sector’s accessibility.
Independent schools receive an average of $12,160 per student in government funding, compared to $22,510 for public school students. Some though receive far, far less.
One-fifth of Independent school students – 140,349 – are educated in regional and remote areas.
Independent schools are the fastest-growing sector, with enrolments projected to increase by 1.6% annually over the next decade.
By 2027, Independent schools will be the biggest non-government school sector in Australia.
19,299 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students attend Independent schools, reflecting our commitment to diversity.
157,000 or 22% of Independent school students have a disability.
The Independent school sector is the fastest-growing education sector in Australia, reflecting the trust and confidence families place in these schools to deliver quality education.
…and it’s only getting bigger!
1.6%
Increase in Independent school enrolments every year
2027
The year Independent schools will become the largest non-government school sector
60%
of Independent school students are from low/middle-income families
19,000
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled
157,000
students with a disability receive education in Independent schools
96 Special Assistance Schools serve over 15,500 highly disadvantaged and disengaged students.
Independent schools educate and support families right across the country.
In many regions, Independent schools are the ONLY schools.
140,000
students in regional and remote areas
15,500
disengaged students supported in Special Assistance Schools
15,200
Independent boarding school students – the largest provider in the country
Families contribute over $9 billion to their children’s education in Independent schools, representing a community of 2.5 million voters.
Independent schools operate 139 boarding schools, educating 15,204 boarding students across the country.
Independent schools employ 69,503 teachers and a total workforce of 121,941 staff, representing 19.6% of Australia’s teachers.
54% of Independent schools are small to medium-sized, with 33% located in regional and remote areas.
716,848*
students attend Independent schools
*18% of all students in Australia
Benefits for Families and Society
Independent schools provide families with diverse educational options, including:
- Faith-based programs
- Multicultural environments
- Specialty programs tailored to students’ unique needs
By choosing Independent schools, families not only support their children’s education but also ease pressure on the public school system. With over 716,000 students enrolled, Independent schools play a vital role in maintaining balance within Australia’s education system. Without them, the entire system would face overwhelming strain.
Families contribute billions of dollars of their own money to Independent schools, demonstrating a shared commitment to providing quality education and strengthening communities across the nation.
$9billion
contributed by families to their children’s education
Every student, no matter where they go to school, is entitled to some government funding. Independent school families are taxpayers too, and they contribute to the same system that supports education across the nation.
Despite receiving significantly less government funding than public schools, Independent schools ensure students thrive by combining this essential support with family contributions. This partnership allows schools to provide high-quality, tailored education that meets the diverse needs of students and communities.
Fair funding is a right for every students – it’s about giving every student a fair start. A baseline level of government support, adjusted for the needs of families and communities, ensures all students can succeed, regardless of the school they attend.
School funding can be complex – watch our video to see how the system works and why fairness matters.
Government funding for Independent school students is adjusted based on the income of their families – a system called Capacity to Contribute. This means some students receive less funding than others, even though all families contribute through taxes. It’s a way to ensure support is shared, but many families may not realise their child receives significantly less than others.
Why These Facts Matter
Decisions That Shape the Future
The choices politicians and policymakers make today will determine the funding, accessibility and ability of Independent schools to continue delivering the high-quality education that families rely on for their children’s success.
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