More and more families are benefiting from the choice and diversity that middle- and low-fee Independent schools such as Maronite College of the Holy Family, in Parramatta, offer their communities.
More and more families are benefiting from the choice and diversity that middle- and low-fee Independent schools such as Maronite College of the Holy Family, in Parramatta, offer their communities.
Independent Schools Australia (ISA) data shows the median fee for an Independent school in 2022 was approximately $5,500, and the majority of Independent schools charge annual fees of less than $6,000.
Enrolments at Maronite College, a co-educational institution for students from kindergarten to Year 12, have increased by 7 per cent in the past two years. Its fees range from $2548 for kindergarten to Year 2, to $3867 for Year 11.
Sister Margaret Ghosn, Executive Principal at Maronite College, said the school was very conscious of the financial pressures facing families.
“We are fortunate to be able to provide an affordable option for parents seeking an educational experience for their children that aligns with their values,” Sister Margaret said. “Our school offers high-quality, faith-based education that nurtures students’ potential and encourages services to the broader community.”
“Enrolments are increasing every year, which is very encouraging as we continue to grow our school community.”
Although Independent schools represent just one in six schools in the Parramatta electorate, they enrolled one in four of all additional students between 2017 and 2022.
Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows enrolments in the Independent sector rose 3.9 per cent 2023, the Catholic sector grew by 1.4 per cent, and government school enrolments grew by 0.3 per cent.
ISA Chief Executive Graham Catt said Independent schools offered a diversity of values and teaching approaches that ensured parents had a wider choice for the best educational outcomes for their child.
“Enrolments at Independent schools across the country are rising and we know parents appreciate having a choice of where they send their children to school,” Mr Catt said.
“The Independent school sector is very diverse and provides a range of options for families, not only in terms of cost but also educational philosophy, faith and values.”
Most families with children enrolled in non-government schools are middle- to low-income earners, increasingly from multicultural backgrounds.
Member for Parramatta, Dr Andrew Charlton MP said, “We have one of the most diverse and rapidly growing electorates in the country, and ensuring we have excellent schools that provide quality educational outcomes for students is essential.”
“The teachers and staff are working extremely hard to provide excellent education to their students and I look forward to continuing our work across our community.”
A recent report from ISA, Improving Outcomes For All: Leading Reform Through Innovation, highlighted the diversity among Independent schools and the variety of communities they serve across Australia.
Mr Catt said the report demonstrated the contribution of Independent schools and their ability to innovate, be flexible, and cater for the needs of their students and community.
“Independent schools play a crucial role in the Australian education landscape,” he said.
“We will continue to collaborate with the Australian Government to ensure Independent schools receive the support necessary to serve their communities and deliver strong learning outcomes.”
Key facts
- Over the past 50 years, the Independent sector enrolment share has risen from 4% to 18%
- There are more than 110,000 students enrolled in 143 Independent special and special assistance schools across Australia that cater to students with disability and other needs
- 1 in 6 students are enrolled in an Independent school
- The median fee for an Independent school in 2022 was approximately $5,500,
- and the majority of Independent schools charge annual fees of less than $6,000
- 83% of Independent schools have a religious affiliation
- 1 in 3 Independent schools are located outside capital cities
About Independent Schools Australia
Independent Schools Australia (ISA) represents the national interests of the Independent school sector. We work closely with member associations to promote choice, diversity and partnership in education, and we advocate for ongoing and sustainable Australian Government support and fair funding.