NSW public school fees: How much does it cost to educate your kids?

The cost of educating your child has risen at more than double the rate of inflation over the past decade, new data shows.

Sydney has been declared the most expensive place in the nation to send your child to school, with parents on average forking out more than $90,000 over 13 years for their child’s supposedly “free” public education.

The survey of costs, carried out by a company that provides specialist investment funds to pay school fees, reveals that while Sydney parents are paying an average 10 per cent above the national average, educating children in country NSW is a lot cheaper, at $58,227.

The survey, by the Futurity Investment Group, also found that last year’s COVID lockdowns resulted in parents paying an extra $808 per child including $336 on electronic devices, $202 on outside tuition and coaching, $111 on stationary and $99 on textbooks.

A survey found Sydney parents spend more than $90,000 on average for their child’s public education.

Sending your son or daughter to a Catholic school in Sydney will cost an average $128,828, while choosing a private school will total $448,035 over the 13 years.

The basis of the $90,122 government school education cost includes a yearly estimate of $433 for fees, $1845 for optional tutoring, $718 for school camps, excursions and sports equipment, $513 for electronic devices and $461 for uniforms and textbooks, library fees and stationary.

Other expenses rolled into the figure include transport at $205 a year and $1025 on “other spending” which could include musical instruments or performing arts related equipment.

Futurity Group executive Kate Hill said the cost of education had risen at more than double the rate of inflation over the past decade.

Their estimates rely on the Commonwealth Treasury projection of a 2.5 per cent inflation rate for school fees.

“Education costs, including outside tuition, school camps and sports equipment and electronic devices are demanding a far greater share of the family budget than in the past,” Ms Hill said.

“More than ever, the costs associated with education are placing more of a burden on Australian families, who are already stretched by the rising cost of living and stagnant wage growth.

“COVID-19 has only exacerbated this financial challenge, with parents required to spend hundreds of dollars extra on unplanned education related expenses at the height of the pandemic.”

She said the firm’s education bonds were a tax-effective way to save and invest for lifelong education.

Families choosing Catholic schools in Sydney are paying less than other states and eight per cent below the national average of $140,433.

The component of school fees, at $2520, is the most expensive part of a Catholic education for a child starting school in 2021 in Sydney, well ahead of outside tuition on $1,128, school camps and sports equipment on $794, uniforms and textbooks at $543 and electronic devices $513.

Choosing an Independent or private school in Sydney is by far the most expensive option - at 31 per cent higher than the national average.

Originally published as NSW public school fees: How much does it cost to educate your kids?