New data reveals the true cost of an education

The true cost of your child’s education has been revealed. Find out how much you will fork out for a government, Catholic or independent education in the Territory.

Halle, Stella, and Reuben Wedel at Alawa Primary School in 2024. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Cost of living pressures are forcing parents and families to carefully consider their children’s education options.

New data released by Futurity Investment Group has estimated the total cost of sending a child through 13 years of schooling at either a government, Catholic or independent school.

This decision has becoming increasingly difficult to make according to Futurity Group’s Sarah McAdie.

“Spiralling cost of living, rent and mortgage repayment pressures mean many households are under considerable pressure,” Ms McAdie said.

Futurity Investment Group's Sarah McAdie. Picture: Supplied.

“With less discretionary money to spend, it is going to be a challenge for many families to pay for education.

“Despite the growing costs, education remains a priority for parents.

This organisation’s exclusive data was obtained through a survey of 2,385 parents and data provided by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA).

It calculated the average cost of 13 years of schooling through each sector, based on expenses such as school fees, uniforms, stationary, travel, devices, extra-curricular activities and other education expenses.

GOVERNMENT EDUCATION

13 of the top 20 NT year 12 students in 2024 came from a government school — Darwin High School. Picture: Supplied

Unsurprisingly, a government education is the least expensive option, costing Territory families $75,798 for the entire 13 years of schooling — seven per cent below the national average.

This made the Territory the most affordable capital city for a government education.

Despite a government education being ‘free’, families can still expect to pay for provisions such as devices ($980), contributions ($146) and transport ($388) each year.

The calculation also included additional costs such as music lessons and VET.

A Department of Education spokesperson also mentioned the government’s $200 ‘Back to School’ payment to help families cover additional costs.

President of the Council of Government School Organisation Dr Ruth Mirams said cost should not compromise quality education.

“COGSO supports the right of every child in the Northern Territory to have access to a high quality, free education regardless of their parents’ ability to pay fees or charges,” Dr Mirams said.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION

St Paul’s Catholic Primary School in Nightcliff. Picture: Supplied

A Catholic education was the second most expensive option, costing families $155,594 for the 13 years — a 16 per cent decrease from 2024.

School fees ($2,483) make up 39 per cent of the annual cost, with the remainder spent on other expenses such as outside tuition ($1,234) and devices ($701).

The director of Catholic Education NT, Paul Greaves, said they were committed to keeping costs affordable to ensure choice for parents.

“We believe every family deserves the opportunity to choose an education that’s right for their child,” Mr Greaves said.

“We recognise that there are costs involved in offering this choice, and Catholic Education is committed to keeping these costs as low as possible to make such a choice possible.”

INDEPENDENT EDUCATION

Haileybury Rendall School topped the year 5 NAPLAN results for the third consecutive year. Picture: Supplied

The most expensive education option is independent schooling, at $245,300 for the 13 years of schooling — with school fees forming the bulk of expenses at 37 per cent of the total cost.

However, the data showed this placed the Territory as one of the most affordable regions for an independent education — the most expensive city, Sydney, will cost families $411,108 in comparison.

Executive director of the Association of Independent Schools NT (AISNT) Cheryl Salter said families still chose independent schools despite the costs.

“Everyday Australians choose an independent school because they believe it is the best option for their family and child.”

Ms Salter said independent schools were working to address cost of living concerns for families.

“Independent schools are working hard to manage costs and minimise fee increases for families while ensuring they continue to deliver the best possible education for students,” she said.