Figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that for the first time in several years all school sectors are recording positive enrolment growth.
Figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that for the first time in several years all school sectors are recording positive enrolment growth.
The ABS data shows that enrolments in Independent schools rose by 3.9 per cent in 2023. According to the ABS, Independent school student numbers grew by 25,304 students in 2023 to 666,154 full-time equivalent (FTE) students. This compares to the Australian population growth of 2.4 per cent to the year ending 30 June 2023.
Independent Schools Australia (ISA) Chief Executive Officer Graham Catt said, “Every parent deserves the right to choose the best school for their child and family. While Independent schools have seen the strongest growth, all three school sectors are critical to delivering the best educational outcomes for Australian children.
“It’s only through collaboration through all sectors and government that we will achieve genuine reform in education.”
The ABS data shows that in addition to the Independent sector’s 3.9 per cent growth in 2023, the Catholic sector grew by 1.4 per cent and government school enrolments grew by 0.3 per cent.
“The past three years have shown the highest enrolment growth since 2008,” said Mr Catt. “The 2023 figures show that Independent schools enrol 16.3 per cent of all Australian school students, and 20.4 per cent of all secondary enrolments.”
Growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students across all school sectors was 3.6 per cent. For the Independent sector this represents an increase of 1,414 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, or 8.4 per cent.
Independent schools have witnessed enrolment growth across all fee levels. Notably, low-fee Independent schools have experienced the strongest growth.
ISA is the national peak body representing Independent schools.
