SNAPSHOT

March 2022

Six-page snapshot shows key characteristics of the Independent school sector, those who are enrolled and those who work in Independent schools.

The Independent school sector is a diverse and growing group of non-government schools. The Independent school figures in this snapshot include Independent Catholic schools, except where otherwise indicated.

Characteristics of the Independent school sector:

  • Broad choice for parents
  • Strong community links
  • Diversity of school type, size and focus
  • Autonomous governance arrangements
  • Comprehensive accountability

Note: The Independent school figures in this snapshot include Independent Catholic schools, except where otherwise indicated.

SCHOOL METRICS

In 2021, there were 1,187 Independent schools of which 140 were boarding schools. Most Independent schools are co-educational.

 

NUMBER OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

PRIMARY 225 19%
SECONDARY 72 6%
COMBINED 752 63%
SPECIAL SCHOOLS 138 12%
TOTAL 1,187 100%

 

SIZE OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

FEWER THAN 50 STUDENTS 12%
50 — 199 STUDENTS 26%
200 — 999 STUDENTS 42%
1,000 — 1,999 STUDENTS 18%
2,000 OR MORE STUDENTS 26 SCHOOLS OR 2%

 

TYPES OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

BOYS’ SCHOOLS  4%

GIRLS’ SCHOOLS  6%

CO-EDUCATIONAL SCHOOLS  90%

1,187

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

83%

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS WITH A RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION

562

AVERAGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED AT AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL

391

AVERAGE NUMBER OF STUDENTS ENROLLED AT A GOVERNMENT SCHOOL