Australian parents are voting with their feet and choosing Independent schools in record numbers.
New figures released today in Independent Schooling 2025 – Enrolment Trends, Characteristics and Projections show enrolments in Independent schools rose by 3.9% in 2023–24—well above the national student population growth of just 1.1%.
Independent schools now educate 745,000 students (18% of all enrolments nationwide) and have grown their share of the student population every year for the past eight years. The data also shows that on average, students attending Independent schools receive just $13,080 per student in government funding compared to $24,860 for public school students.
Independent Schools Australia (ISA) CEO Graham Catt said the data highlights the strength of parental demand, with families making sacrifices to choose Independent schools despite receiving far less government support than their peers in government schools.
“Families are voting with their feet. They are choosing Independent schools because these schools meet their values, aspirations and expectations,” Mr Catt said.
“This choice is being made by everyday parents right across Australia — from cities to regional towns, and from every background and culture — particularly low to middle-income families. Independent schools don’t all look the same. They reflect the incredible diversity of the communities they serve — from small faith-based and special assistance schools to large metropolitan colleges. And despite the fact their children receive only half the taxpayer funding of students in public schools, families are still making extraordinary sacrifices. That choice must continue to be supported.”
- Enrolment growth across Australia
- Fastest growing sector: Independent schools up 3.9% in 2023–24, compared to 0.2% in government schools and 1.7% in Catholic schools.
- Strongest growth area: Strongest growth in Independent schools charging less than $7,500 in annual fees.
- Regional contribution: 22% of Independent sector growth in the last five years has occurred in regional and remote areas.
- State leaders: Queensland had 4.8% annual growth in 2023-34 followed by Western Australia (4.5%), Victoria (4.1%) and NSW (3.6%).
ISA projects the sector will add 114,000 students over the next decade, requiring around 260 new schools or campuses—the vast majority in NSW, Victoria and Queensland. By 2027, Independent schools are projected to overtake the Catholic sector in enrolments.
Independent schools: national asset, taxpayer savings
Independent schools not only deliver educational choice but are also a powerhouse of economic contribution. A major ISA-commissioned study found they inject $45.7 billion into the Australian economy each year, support over 264,000 jobs, and save taxpayers $12.5 billion annually
“Independent schools ease pressure on government schools, they drive jobs and growth, and they deliver significant taxpayer savings. Every dollar invested delivers much more back to the nation,” Mr Catt said.
Fair funding essential for choice
Mr Catt said that with families continuing to choose Independent schools, it is vital that government policy supports fair and sustainable funding across all sectors.
“The reality is clear: Independent school students receive on average nearly half the government funding of public-school students, and parents are still making extraordinary sacrifices to choose the school they believe is best for their children,” he said.
“To preserve real choice, governments must maintain fair funding arrangements and extend critical programs, such as the Choice and Affordability Fund, beyond 2029, ensuring all families can continue access Independent schools.”
The full report is available at https://schoolchoicecounts.isa.edu.au/research/independent-schooling-2025-enrolment-trends-characteristics-and-projections
About Independent Schools Australia (ISA) . ISA advocates for fair and sustainable policies that support school choice, equity, and opportunity for every Australian family.