More than half of Queensland’s richest families send children to state schools

Despite the common belief that the richest families are feeding the state’s private schools, a new analysis shows that is not the case.

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More than half of Queensland’s highest-earning families are sending their children to state schools over private schools, new research reveals.

However, the report also shows that more than 20 per cent of the state’s poorest families chose to send their children to Catholic and independent schools.

The 2022 Income of Families with Students Attending Schools in Queensland report is based on 2021 Census data and was commissioned by Independent Schools Queensland.

For families in the three highest income deciles – earning more than $2571 per week – 54 per cent sent their children to state schools, 26 per cent chose catholic, and 20 per cent were enrolled in independent schools.

For families with incomes in the three lowest deciles – less than $1625 per week – 10 per cent had their children in independent schools, catholic schools accounted for 11 per cent, and 79 per cent chose state schools.

Brisbane Boys College in Toowong. Picture: Steve Pohlner.

University of Southern Queensland senior education lecturer Dr Tania Leach, who has 20 years’ experience as a teacher and principal, said she was not surprised by the data.

“I’ve sent my kids to government and independent schools – it came down to what the school could provide,” she said.

“I love that we are changing the perception that the quality of education is no different between catholic, independent, and state schools.

“There was always a perception of difference between state and private schools, I grew up with this difference.”

Dr Leach said the main factors for parents in choosing a school were location and the family’s own education history.

“We may have high-income families who have come from low socio-economic backgrounds and gone to government schools, so they see no point of difference and want their kids to have the same experience in state schools as they did,” she said.

“There is also a particularly greater trend in primary schools of any socio-economic family sending their child to government schools. Many government primary schools are sitting in catchment areas surrounded by high-income families.”

Independent Schools Queensland chief executive Chris Mountford said families make decisions about schooling based on more than just income.

“This report highlights a truth that is already well known within the sector – independent schools cater for families from right across the socio-economic spectrum,” he said.

“Parents take into account their own values and beliefs, what they can afford, and also for some, what other areas of their lives they will or won’t sacrifice for that choice.”