Charlotte Mason College investigated by federal Education Department over funding concerns

A former employee claims a Moreton Bay college that closed last month had been in a precarious financial state for several years and “it beggars belief they hung on”.

Charlotte Mason College at Kallungur closed this month following a series of investigations. Picture: David Clark

A Moreton Bay school that recently closed was investigated by federal authorities over allegations it falsified census data around special needs student enrolments in bid to maximise government funding.

Kallangur’s Charlotte Mason College, which closed in December, leaving parents just six weeks to find other schools, was investigated by the federal Education Department, it can be revealed.

Charlotte Mason College closed on Friday, December 8 after its registration was withdrawn by the Non-State Schools Accreditation Board following a series of financial audits.

Parents’ National Education Union (Australia) Inc, which trades as Charlotte Mason College, had reported losses of nearly $2m, according to its latest financial report.

Since its closure, former staff have said many were aware of the investigation.

A federal department spokesman confirmed it was aware of the “serious” concerns and had taken “appropriate” action against the school.

Charlotte Mason College at Kallungur may have unexpectedly closed even though signs are out for new enrolments. Picture: David Clark

“The department takes all allegations of noncompliance or fraud seriously and where there is evidence, the department takes action commensurate with the severity of the noncompliance,” the spokesman said.

“All approved authorities in receipt of government funding for schools must comply with requirements of the Act and the Australian Education Regulations.”

The department spokesman refused to comment further on the status of the investigation or what specific action, if any, had been taken against the college.

In 2020, the school’s federal grants increased to $1.9m compared to $1.4m in 2019, its financial records show.

Its enrolments went from 220 in 2019 to 180 in 2020.

A former Charlotte Mason College employee, who wished to remain anonymous, said the school had been in a precarious financial state for several years.

“The writing was on the wall 12 months ago; it beggars belief they hung on,” they said.

“They were in massive debt and the expenditure was questionable.”

Charlotte Mason College at Kallungur may have unexpectedly closed even though signs are out for new enrolments. Kallangur Tuesday 12th December 2023 Picture David Clark

The staff member said many of the teachers to suddenly lose their jobs were young and only recently registered, and were left unemployed over Christmas with mortgages and young children to look after.

Another former employee told The Courier-Mail staff were often told the school was bleeding financially.

“At times, you’d ask for something for the kids and they’d just say no, we can’t afford it,” they said.

“We always felt the impression that they were short on money.”

The school did not respond when approached for comment by The Courier-Mail.

In an email to parents regarding the school’s closure, it said the college had been left in a “tough financial position” due to challenges from “past decisions”.

“We have strived to provide high quality education and learning experiences for everyone in our small community,” it read.

“We have enjoyed becoming a family, growing together, and experiencing life‘s learning opportunities as individuals and as a community.”