Brisbane Grammar is Queensland’s richest school, but questions over federal funding allocation

Queensland’s richest schools have raked in a combined $2bn in total gross income and $444m in federal funding in a single year. SEE THE TOP 50 EARNERS

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Queensland’s richest schools raked in a combined $2 billion in a single year, with the top school reaping the equivalent of more than $37,000 per student.

New data from the national curriculum authority reveals the state’s richest schools received a combined $444 million in federal funding, with stark disparities between schools sparking calls for changes to funding agreements.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns that donations are not being considered, leading to already wealthy schools receiving large grants.

The financials, sourced from The Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority’s MySchool database, name Brisbane Grammar School as the richest, with an income of more than $67 million.

Grammar is closely followed by King’s Christian College, but it does receive more than $34 million in federal funding, linked to its high student enrolments – more than 3500 full-time equivalent enrolments in 2021.

St Peters Lutheran College, Anglican Church Grammar School, and Brisbane Girls’ Grammar School rounded out the top five wealthiest schools.

Centre for Independent Studies’ education program director Glenn Fahey said the government seemed to just throw money at schools, but insisted there should be more stringent criteria.

“The consensus in schooling in the past decade has been to significantly increase the input, particularly through taxpayer funding. But when we look at the data, there is no evidence that this generates increased outcomes,” he said.

“How the (federal) funds are being used is not being given as much attention.”

The National School Reform agreement between states and the federal government will expire in December. It includes the allocation of state and federal funding in schools.

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the Albanese Government is committed to working with states and territories to ensure every school gets its fair funding level.

“Funding is important. But so is what it is spent on. That’s why we are establishing an expert panel to advise us on what funding should be tied to in the next agreement,” he said.

“The current agreement doesn’t include targets or reforms. The next agreement will.”

Australian Charities and Not-For-Profits Commission data shows that 19 Queensland private schools received over $70 million in donations in 2017-2021.

Save Our Schools national convener Trevor Cobbold said donations were not being considered by the government when assessing a school’s need for funding.

“By not taking into account these millions of dollars in donations – these schools’ financial need is being over-estimated and they are being overfunded by the taxpayer,” he said.

“It appears to me that the definition of what a school ‘donation’ is needs to be clear, and there needs to be some checks on how schools are reporting them.”

But principals argue it isn’t as clear-cut.

All Saints Anglican School headmaster Patrick Wallas said money classified as a “donation” included revenue from school uniform shops, performing arts centres, and building funds.

He said this occurred because these areas are part of a separate trust and when their money is transferred back to the school it is deemed a donation.

Ormiston College principal Brett Webster with students (left to right): Jasper Armstrong (Year 10), Jake Cameron (Year 2), Jaiselle Hunter (Year 10), Grace Johnston (Year 2). Ormiston almost matched the likes of Churchie and Brisbane Grammar in donations over five years.

Ormiston College principal Brett Webster said there was a similar experience at his school and that “donations” recorded for the school were largely the result of money transferred from the Ormiston College Foundation to the College itself.

“While donations and bequests are much appreciated, Ormiston College does not actively pursue these things,” he said.

Sheldon College principal Kate Mortimer said her school also had a separate foundation which included the uniform shop, early learning centre, and learn to swim centre.

Originally published as Brisbane Grammar is Queensland’s richest school, but questions over federal funding allocation