ISA has engaged AEC Group to quantify how Independent schools boost Australia’s GDP, jobs, household incomes, and government savings—while also delivering long-term economic value through improved student outcomes. Summary report: 5 pages.
The Independent school sector across Australia plays a vital role in delivering high-quality education services to children and families nationwide. As an essential component of the education landscape, this sector provides diverse schooling options that complement the government and Catholic school systems. This diversity in educational offerings allows families the freedom to choose schools that align not only with academic or extra-curricular goals but also with specific values, religious beliefs, and educational philosophies. Independent schools, as a result of educating 716,848 students in 2023-24, delivered $45.69 billion to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and supported 264,360 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs through direct and flow on contributions. This accounted for 1.8% of the total industry contribution to GDP in Australia and 2.1% of the total employment.