Private schools are ‘national assets saving taxpayers $12.5bn a year’, claims report commissioned by Independent Schools Australia
Amid fierce debate on the level of government funding handed out to private schools, a new report claims the rapid growth in the sector is actually saving taxpayers billions.
Australia’s private schools have been credited with generating more than 264,000 jobs and saving taxpayers $12.5bn a year in reduced education spending by governments.
A new report released by the peak private school body, Independent Schools Australia (ISA), has found the country’s 1200 non-government schools contribute $45bn to the national economy – equal to 1.8 per cent of Australia’s GDP – and generate $29.5bn in household income.
The figures are based on the fact that it costs state and federal governments around $26,600 to educate a government school student but only $13,100 for a private school student.
ISA chief executive Graham Catt said the report showed independent schools, which educated 716,848 students around the nation, were not a drain on taxpayers but “national assets”.
“Families making sacrifices to choose an independent school are contributing twice – once to their school and again to the education of students in government schools,” he said.
“Independent schools ease pressure on public schools, save billions for governments, and are expanding fastest in Australia’s most disadvantaged communities.”
The comprehensive ISA research, produced by the AEC Group, also shows the high academic results of private schools contributed $1.55bn in GDP growth, according to the latest PISA test results.
In total, independent schools had a $19bn turnover in 2023-24 and spent an additional $3.6bn on capital works. The schools also had a $29bn flow-on to other sectors.
The report also states that 60 per cent of students at an independent school come from a low or middle-income family, with much of the growth in the sector at schools charging less than $7500 a year.
The contribution of the sector was greatest in NSW, where the private schools are estimated to add $14.9bn to the gross state product (GSP) and create around 76,950 jobs. The boost to Victoria is $11.23bn to the GSP and the creation of 68,500 jobs. For Queensland it adds $7.69bn to the GSP and 46,370 jobs. In South Australia the sector is worth $3.2bn and 18,800 jobs.
Private school parents from around the country have spoken out about why they've chosen their schools.
Highlands Christian College, Toowoomba, Queensland
Toowoomba mother-of-four Danielle Hogno said her family “chose Highlands because we wanted a values-based education”.
Ms Hogno, who works as a VET and careers co-ordinator at the school, said she liked the fact that it was a “no phones school” as far back as 2018.
Her daughters Cate, 17, Zoe, 15, and Amelie, 13, are at the school, and their older brother Tim is at uni studying physiotherapy.
“It’s a great cultural fit for my girls as it’s got small cohorts so they are known throughout the school,” Ms Hogno said.
“The state system couldn’t give them what they needed, but this school caters for diversity, which is good because all four of our kids are very different.”
Ms Hogno said her daughters “have a good relationship with the teachers and their peers.”
The coeducational school has students from prep to year 12. Ms Hogno said the fees – of just under $10,000 for year 12 – were a “worthwhile sacrifice”.
Torrens Valley Christian School, Hope Valley, South Australia
Sarah Spencer has one son in the primary school at Torrens Valley Christian School in Adelaide and a daughter starting next year.
“We chose the school as it was important that children learn by making connections to God’s story and his plans for them,” she said.
“This is what we teach them at home and we wanted the same lessons taught at school.”
Ms Spencer said she asked her son what he loved about the school and he wrote a list of subjects including digital technology and maths.
“He loves it when he gets an opportunity to practice his computing skills,” she said.
She said there were a number of other faith-based school in the northeastern suburbs of Adelaide, but “was drawn to the community” at Torrens Valley Christian School.
Principal Emily Brookes said parents “want a genuine partnership with their child’s school, and they want to know their child is truly known and loved by our staff”.
Peregrine School, Nicholls Rivulet, Tasmania
Sascha Jones searched for a “forest school” and moved halfway across the continent when she found the right one for her two youngest boys.
It was Peregrine School in Tasmania, a small community school that opened in 2000 with only 14 students. Her youngest Xavi, 13, is still a student there.
“We moved to Tassie and to the Huon Valley so our kids could go to Peregrine. It’s been the best thing ever, it’s so amazing,” said Ms Jones, from Cygnet.
“It has totally lived up to expectations. It’s got smaller classes and multi-age classes and no uniforms. There are bush days, lessons in damper-making and amazing teachers who share a healthy lunch with the kids.”
She said the fees – around $140 a week – were good value. “It’s a lot but we don’t pay another cent. The kids feel important in the eyes of the teachers – they look you in the eye when they talk to you,” Ms Jones said.
Melton Christian College, Melton, Victoria
Aring Dhieu and her husband chose Melton Christian College for their nine children, drawn to its Christian values, commitment to academic excellence and welcoming community.
Their daughter Yer is 18 and in year 12 at the school.
“The school also stood out to us for its inclusivity, particularly in embracing South Sudanese families who were a growing community in Melton at that time,” Ms Dhieu said.
“Yer started at MCC in Prep in 2013, and it has been a blessing to have all of our nine children attend the same P-12 school,” she said.
“Yer really loves the learning environment and close-knit community at MCC. After graduating, Yer aims to study civil engineering at Monash University next year.
“As a parent, I am grateful to MCC for the way it has nurtured my children over many years.”
HopePoint Christian School, Georges Hall, NSW
Principal Joe Britton said his school, which is located near Bankstown in Sydney, had grown in past three years.
“There has been a lot of interest in the Christian world view and our values approach to education,” he said.
The primary school, which was established 45 years ago, now has more than 300 students, including the kindergarten program.
“Our students are taught about respect and have good manners, and the community has been very responsive to that,” he said.
“We focus on the whole child, the whole person.”
The school’s fees are under $5000 a year and there is a 100 per cent discount for the fourth or more student in any family.
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Originally published as Private schools are ‘national assets saving taxpayers $12.5bn a year’, claims report commissioned by Independent Schools Australia
