Boarding enrolments: What is driving increased number

The number of students enrolled at independent and boarding schools has risen in recent years. See what’s driving enrolment numbers.

The number of students enrolled at independent schools and boarding school is growing, according to new research, which highlights the role diversity and familial choice plays in parents selecting a school for their child.

The latest Independent Schools Australia annual snapshot showed enrolments at independent schools lifted almost 4 per cent in 2023, and now accounted for 17.6 per cent of all Australian students, in comparison to just 4.1 per cent in the 1970s.

And the uptick in enrolments extends to boarding schools too, with ISA data showing in the past three years the number of enrolled boarding students has lifted from 14,141 in 2021 to 15,204 in 2023.

ISA chief executive Graham Catt said research showed increased diversity across independent schools and parents being more aware of the individuals requirements and needs of their children was driving an uptick in independent school enrolments. 


Graham Catt, Independent Schools Association chief executive, said parents were becoming more discerning in what diverse options are available for their child. PICTURE: Supplied.

“Diversity stems across economics, there are low fee schools and higher fee schools, there are smaller schools, perhaps there’s a religious affiliation, or Montessori, so parents and families are looking for a choice of school aligning with their values,” Mr Catt said.

“When parents look at a range of diverse schools, they’re looking for the one their particular child will thrive at. It’s not uncommon for two kids in one family to go to two different schools.”

Mr Catt said research also showed that despite a general sense of financial strain across the community, investing in education was one factor parents felt was within their control.

“There’s a sense of an uncertain future, and what came back from parents is education is one of the levers they can pull and control,” Mr Catt said. 


“These are the things driving the overall growth in enrolments.”

For parents in remote communities, boarding school might be the only option for a secondary education for their children.

Mr Catt said the quality of education available in a boarding school environment, coupled with extra-curricular activities and specialised subjects, was a drawcard for many.

“For families from more geographically isolated areas, it’s also providing opportunity and relationships with peers, pastoral care that these schools offer, and boarding their own social networks … they’re building resilience, independence and self-reliance,” Mr Catt said.