Independent Schools Australia (ISA) has reaffirmed its support for fully funding public schools while rejecting the latest misleading claims about Independent school funding.
ISA CEO Graham Catt said all students deserve access to a high-quality education, regardless of what type of school they attend, but the latest attacks on Independent school families by the Australian Education Union (AEU) are divisive and inaccurate.
“Every Australian child should have access to a well-funded education. We strongly support full funding for public schools. So, it is disappointing to see, yet again, the Independent school families who pay taxes and contribute billions in school fees, unfairly targeted by misinformation,” Mr Catt said.
“The fact is, Independent school parents pay twice (through their taxes and through school fees) while their children receive, on average, $10,000 less in government funding than public school students.”
ISA believes parents should be free to choose the best education for their child without being penalised.
The facts speak for themselves:
- Independent school families contribute over $9 billion per year toward their children’s education.
- 60% of Independent school students are from low- and middle-income families.
- Most Independent schools charge fees below $6,000 per year.
- Independent schools educate 157,000 students with disability & 19,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
“By all means campaign to support government schools, Mr Catt said “but don’t push a false, divisive narrative that hurts students, families and educators.”
“Independent schools are a vital part of Australia’s education system. Families make real sacrifices for school choice, and they deserve respect—not misleading rhetoric. It’s time to stop the political spin and focus on the facts.”
ISA is the national peak body representing 1,216 Independent schools with close to 720,000 enrolled students, accounting for approximately 17 per cent of Australian school enrolments and a workforce of 122,000 people. Independent schools are diverse, serving a range of different communities across Australia.
For more information – www.isa.edu.au