Regional schooling: Revenue of regional schools revealed

Regional Victorian primary schools are generating a fraction of the revenue of independent high schools, income data has shown.

Regional Victorian primary schools are generating a fraction of the revenue of independent high schools, school income data has shown.

An independent analysis of school financial records from MySchool online showed annual revenue in the five years from 2018-22, based on income per student, with some schools scraping by in comparison to their Catholic and independent counterparts.

The figures include all fees, charges, and parental contributions, along with state and federal government funding and other private sources.

When it comes to high schools in regional Victoria, Bacchus Marsh Grammar – Maddingley Campus had the highest gross income of any other school, with a total of $299.6 million in revenue between 2018-22, or an average of more than $59 million per year.

This is a rise of 66 per cent in five years, according to the data.

In contrast, Marnoo Primary School in the Wimmera region generated just $2 million in revenue for the five years between 2018-22, or an average of $400,000 per annum.

Nate Yallock Primary School, Carlisle River Primary School, and Shelford Primary School all generated $2 million in revenue between 2018-22.

Victorian Principals Association president Andrew Dalgleish said Australia has “one of the most segregated education sectors in the world”.

He said children from disadvantaged backgrounds mixing with others from more advantaged circumstances will “grow at a faster rate” with “improved life outcomes”.

“Our funding model causes those from greater advantages to cluster together. Research shows when that occurs it stymies growth,” he said.

A report published by the Australian Government Primary Principals Association called for 100 per cent schooling resource standard funding for all government primary schools.

The report showed about 80 per cent of children from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds attend government primary schools, and would benefit most from “adequate and additional funding”.

Mr Dalgleish said government schools were not yet funded to the standard established in the Gonski review in 2011.

“If we look at Victoria for example, under the current model we won’t get to 100 per cent not even in 2028, and it’s our view point that it’s an embarrassment.”

The Australian Education Union Victorian Branch was contacted for comment.