Independent Schools Australia (ISA) is a trusted source of high-quality, evidence-based research that helps families, educators, and the wider public understand the value of Independent schooling. Our work is widely respected by policymakers and

plays a vital role in shaping national conversations about education funding, parental choice, and student outcomes. This page brings together key insights and findings—so parents and families can explore the facts behind the headlines and see how research is helping secure a fair future for every child.

The Great Education Shift
July 2026

A major new ISA report bringing together national data and parent research to show how Australian families are reshaping schooling through the choices they make. It explores why families are choosing Independent schools, the contributions and sacrifices they make, and why education policy should reflect that reality.

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Snapshot 2026 Edition
May 2026

ISA’s six-page snapshot shows key characteristics of the Independent school sector, those who are enrolled and those who work in Independent schools.

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School Wide Approaches for Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) Into Teaching and Learning
February 2026

An ISA Independent Insights report examining how schools across Australia are integrating generative AI into teaching and learning, the benefits already emerging, and the risks if adoption continues without a shared framework.

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Independent Schooling 2025 – Enrolment Trends, Characteristics And Projections
October 2025

A major new report from ISA showing that enrolments in Independent schools rose by 3.9% in 2023–24—well above the national student population growth of just 1.1%.

Independent schools now educate 745,000 students (18% of all enrolments nationwide) and have grown their share of the student population every year for the past eight years. The data also shows that on average, students attending Independent schools receive just $13,080 per student in government funding compared to $24,860 for public school students.

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Economic Contribution of the Independent School Sector
August 2025

A major new report confirms that Australia’s Independent schools contribute $45.69 billion annually to the national economy.

Commissioned by Independent Schools Australia (ISA), the AEC Group report finds that Independent schools support over 264,000 full-time jobs, generate $29.5 billion in household income, and save taxpayers $12.5 billion a year through reduced costs to governments.

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