The cost to send a child to school in Perth has skyrocketed, with parents now predicted to fork out up to $75,000 more on fees, supplies and extracurriculars over the 13-year period.
New research from the Futurity Investment Group predicts parents at independent schools in the metropolitan area will spend more than $300,000 on education per child – a 33 per cent increase on 13-year predictions made last year.
Perth still managed to record the lowest predicted costs nationally for independent education despite the significant jump, although WA was the most expensive state for regional and remote students in the same sector.
Increases to the total cost of public education did not fare much better, jumping up by more than $30,000 from 2024 – making Perth the second-most expensive city for a government education behind Sydney.
The total cost includes school fees as well as other expenses associated with education including tuition and coaching, musical instruments, sport, transport and electronics.
The latest research was released late on Tuesday night, after the state’s private schools released their fee schedules for 2025.
Perth’s most expensive school, Presbyterian Ladies’ College, now charges almost $35,000 annually for year 12.
Eight schools across the state now charge a maximum over $30,000 in tuition fees alone, up from six in 2024.
Futurity Investment Group chief executive Sarah McAdie said costs associated with education were placing a substantial burden on many families.
“Spiralling cost of living, rent and mortgage repayment pressures mean many households are under considerable pressure,” she said.
“A growing proportion of parents are also choosing to delay an education opportunity for their child.
“Ancillary spending is down compared to last year, with parents cutting back on outside tuition and coaching, musical instruments and electives.”
McAdie said nationally, 11 per cent of parents had admitted needing help from grandparents to pay for tuition fees, and were often forgoing family holidays and other elective expenses to prioritise education.
The research also revealed the total cost of a Catholic education in Perth fell 5 per cent in the past year, nearly back to its 2023 prediction figure.
The average tuition fee increase across Catholic schools was just 4 per cent across WA, with 27 schools not increasing their fees at all.
Catholic Education WA chief executive Wayne Bull said the schools offered parents an affordable choice to faith-based education.
“No child will ever be denied a place in a CEWA school due to their parents’ financial situation,” he said.
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