Independent school enrolments have surged to a record 744,993 students across 1,230 schools, according to new data released today by Independent Schools Australia (ISA). The 2025 ISA Snapshot confirms that Independent schools are more diverse, more in-demand, and more essential than ever before.
The numbers tell a clear story. In Independent Schools:
- One in five students (145,937) are in regional or remote Australia
- There are over 175,000 students with disability
- More than 20,900 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students
- More than one-third of students from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; and
- Over 60% of students are from low- to middle-income families
ISA Chief Executive Officer Graham Catt said the numbers show that school choice is not just a principle – it’s a reality that for hundreds of thousands of Australian parents is worth fighting to protect.
“Independent schools are all about choice. These families come from every background, and many are making significant sacrifices so their children can have the education that will give them the best chance of success,“ Mr Catt said.
Government recurrent funding for a government school student is now $24,860 per student, compared to $13,080 for a student in an Independent school—a gap of $11,780 per student.
“The data doesn’t lie,” he said.
“It shows that on average each public-school student receives nearly double the government funding of each student in an Independent school.
“This is an inconvenient truth for those who push the false and damaging narrative about ‘overfunded’ private schools.
“We deliver high-quality education, with far less government support. That’s the reality.”
Mr Catt also hit back at ongoing misinformation about how Independent schools fund new buildings and infrastructure.
“Most capital funding for Independent schools comes from parent levies, donations, or borrowing—not government handouts,” he said.
“In 2022–23, just 5% of capital funding came from the federal government. Claims that public money is being spent on gold-plated buildings are grossly misleading.”
Independent schools now educate nearly 1 in 5 Australian students, with demand rising in cities, suburbs, and regions.
In the lead up to the Federal election, parents and school communities let politicians know that school choice counts. They make real sacrifices to afford it, and they’re prepared to fight to protect it.
“Our parents won’t stand for poor policy,” Mr Catt said.
“We are diverse. We are growing. And we are not going away.”