Year in Review 2024

The ongoing growth in enrolments in Independent Schools across Australia reflects the importance that families place on choosing the school that best suits the needs of their children. This is the key theme of the ‘School Choice Counts’ campaign that was endorsed by the Board in 2024 and highlights an important role of ISA – to be leading and promoting conversations that achieve better educational outcomes in Australian schooling.

As outlined in our Strategic Plan 2024 – 2026, the ISA Board continues to support and endorse a leadership role within our national structure and for our members, and in our interactions with governments and others. The development of the ‘School Choice Counts’ campaign, and an increased focus on engaging with parliamentarians in the lead up to the 2025 Federal Election have demonstrated that ISA is up to the challenge and can lead, advocate and promote the role of the Independent school sector in influencing the delivery of educational outcomes nationally.

During 2024, the Board also focused on improving its governance of risk and opportunity, undertaking a review of how risk is overseen and managed throughout the organisation, and reflecting on the risks to ISA and across the sector more broadly. I am pleased to see the discussion of risk maturing within ISA, with tangible results, such as the ‘School Choice Counts’ campaign, which aims to address current and strategic risks to ISA, our member organisations and Independent schools.

I would like to thank Mr John Ralston OAM (Board Chair for numerous periods), Dr Justin Garrick, Mr Philip Grutzner, and Ms Meg Hansen, who stood down from the Board in 2024, for their support over many years. The Board welcomed Ms Tracey Cain, Ms Rachel Holthouse, Ms Terrie Jones, and Ms Marianne Stillwell who are committed to supporting the work of ISA into the future.

Ms Ruth Underwood, Director Governance and Operations ISA and Board Secretary retired at the end of 2024. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank her for her support and many years of diligent and faithful service.

Finally, I’d like to express my appreciation to CEO Graham Catt, and each member of the ISA staff for their professional, collegial teamwork, and to my fellow Board Directors for their expertise and dedication to ISA and the Independent schools in Australia during 2024. It is through this support that our organisation can deliver so much for our members and for school education in Australia, as we continue to be the leading voice for Independent schools in Australia.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Michael E Jones OAM JP
Board Chair
Independent Schools Australia