Private school funding under threat if schools close against government advice on coronavirus

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has warned independent schools their funding might be at risk if they defy government advice and close due to the COVID-19 threat.

Mr Morrison spoke to school leaders on Wednesday, including the head of the Australian Independent Schools NSW Geoff Newcombe.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison has issued a warning to schools.Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Dr Newcombe subsequently sent a letter to all his members about the conversation, in which Mr Morrison "reminded me that in this situation there were certain expectations attached to the recurrent funding provided by the Australian Government to Catholic and independent schools.

"He asked if I would convey this message to schools in our association, as well as colleagues in other states and territories."

State and federal governments are trying to maintain unity over keeping schools open, a difficult situation when there are three sectors, and in one of those, the independent sector, each school is individually run.

The major private schools in Sydney are sticking to government advice to keep schools open in the face of pressure from some parents. One head said only a handful of parents were lobbying for the school to shut, but they were very vocal.

Kambala, PLC Croydon, Pymble Ladies College and Moriah College have all announced they are bringing learning online. Some will keep a skeleton staff on campus for students without supervision.

The Archbishop of Sydney stepped in on Wednesday morning to stop the entire NSW Catholic system from closing, ordering the state's 11 dioceses to follow government advice and stay open.

Health authorities say there is little benefit to closing schools at this stage, and substantial risk the virus will spread further if children are sent out into the community.

They also warn of massive economic repercussions.