The NSW schools who have spent the most money in the last year

The ten biggest spending schools in NSW paid out 74 times as much in capital expenditure as the bottom 100 high schools, with number one splashing nearly $100 million. SEE THE LIST

An artists impression of the Santa Sophia Catholic College.

Western Sydney high-rise high school Santa Sophia Catholic College was the state’s biggest spending secondary school in 2021, newly released financial records reveal, splashing more than $92 million on capital works including construction of its sprawling new campus.

The ten biggest spenders paid out 74 times as much in capital expenditure as the bottom 100 high schools, exclusive analysis of financial data available on ACARA’s My School portal shows, spending $402,543,108 in total.

Santa Sophia Catholic College’s six-storey buildings at Gables were unveiled to students in late 2021, with students taking up their first full year of education at the enormous school last year.

The elite Cranbrook School in Sydney’s eastern suburbs was the second biggest spender, forking out $63,479,932 on redevelopments which over the last few years have included a new aquatic centre – featuring two pools, a multipurpose sports hall, a gym and a 126-space carpark – and a 6,258 sqm building fitted out with a drama theatre, a dining room, a chapel, and multiple new “teaching and learning spaces”.

Eight of the top twenty on the list were public schools, representing huge state and federal government investments in school infrastructure. Lindfield Learning Village benefited most, spending $42,869,159 on projects like the Stage 2 development, which included building refurbishments and a new covered outdoor learning area (COLA).

University of Sydney teaching academic Dr Rachel Wilson said there needs to be greater transparency around how much money schools are earning and spending, especially where they’re government funded.

“The public should be able to compare schools’ achievement and financial information,’ she said.

Santa Sophia Catholic College was the state’s biggest spender. (AAP Image/David Swift)

“(Poorly performing) schools are mostly government schools, and some of them are not yet reaching the minimum school resourcing standard from Gonski (targets), and that’s an issue,” Dr Wilson said.

“We need full and transparent reporting. Journalists are doing that, but it should be at the fingertips of anyone interested in education to know immediately.”