The latest Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) enrolment data shows Independent schools continue to be the fastest growing school sector in Australia, with enrolments increasing by 3.4% in 2025, well above growth across the overall student population.
Independent Schools Australia Chief Executive Officer Graham Catt said the figures reflect a clear and sustained trend: Australian families want choice in education and are prepared to make sacrifices to secure the school they believe is right for their child.
“Independent schools continue to grow because families are actively choosing them,” Mr Catt said.
“Parents are looking for the right environment for their child — whether that’s a values-based education, specialist programs, smaller school communities or simply a school that aligns with their family’s priorities.”
According to the ABS data, Independent schools now educate 715,386 full-time equivalent (FTE) students across Australia, representing 17.2% of the national student population.
The sector added 28,567 additional students in 2025, more than any other school sector. While ABS data doesn’t include where growth is occurring below the state and territory level, ISA analysis shows regional and outer metropolitan areas are booming.
Mr Catt said the growth reflects the diversity of the Independent school sector and the wide range of communities it serves.
“Independent schools are not one-size-fits-all. They include faith-based schools, community schools, special assistance schools, schools in regional and remote areas and schools serving families from every background.”
“Most Independent school families are middle-income Australians who are making real sacrifices to prioritise their children’s education.”
Despite continued growth, Independent school students still receive significantly less government funding than students in government schools.
“On average, Independent school students receive around $11,000 less per student in government funding than public school students,” Mr Catt said.
“Families who choose Independent schools are taxpayers too, yet they shoulder a much larger share of the cost of their child’s education.”
Independent schools serve diverse communities across Australia, including:
— 22,538 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
— Approximately 187,200 students with disability
— 22,079 students in Special Assistance Schools supporting highly disadvantaged young people
— Hundreds of schools serving regional, rural and remote communities
Mr Catt said the data reinforces the importance of maintaining a balanced and diverse school system that supports family choice.
“A strong education system includes government, Catholic and Independent schools working together to meet the needs of Australian families.”
“Every family should have the opportunity to choose the school that works best for their child.”
- SCHOOL ENROLMENTS AT A GLANCE
| Sector | 2025 FTE | 2024 FTE | Growth 2024–25 | Enrolment share 2025 |
| Independent | 715,386 | 691,883 | 3.4% | 17.2% |
| Catholic | 831,535 | 820,061 | 1.4% | 20.0% |
| Government | 2,608,098 | 2,614,508 | -0.2% | 62.8% |
| Australia | 4,155,019 | 4,126,452 | 0.7% | 100.0% |
The ABS data includes Independent Catholic schools with ‘Catholic.’ When including Independent Catholic schools, the Independent sector has 1,241 schools, 767,712 FTE students (sector share of 18.5%) and 108,317 FTE staff.
- INDEPENDENT SCHOOL ENROLMENTS BY STATE AND TERRITORY 2024–2025
| State/Territory | 2025 FTE | 2024 FTE | Growth | Share |
| NSW | 208,945 | 203,071 | 2.9% | 16.6% |
| VIC | 178,787 | 172,670 | 3.5% | 16.8% |
| QLD | 159,812 | 152,635 | 4.7% | 18.0% |
| SA | 56,240 | 55,022 | 2.2% | 19.8% |
| WA | 82,087 | 79,337 | 3.5% | 17.6% |
| TAS | 11,644 | 11,317 | 2.9% | 14.6% |
| NT | 5,911 | 5,978 | -1.1% | 14.8% |
| ACT | 11,960 | 11,852 | 0.9% | 15.4% |
| Australia | 715,386 | 691,883 | 3.4% | 17.2% |
ENDS