Funding for Independent schools relies on partnerships between governments, parents and school communities.
More than half the income that the average Independent school receives for recurrent spending comes from parents and other private sources. When it comes to income for capital expenditure, the vast majority comes from private sources. Through fees and private contributions, the families of students in Independent schools contributed almost $7.1 billion in 2021-22 to Australia’s annual total investment in school education.
SCHOOL FUNDING MODEL
Government recurrent funding to non-government schools is largely determined by the Schooling Resource Standard funding model. Approximately 80 per cent of government funding to Independent schools comes from the Commonwealth.
RECURRENT FUNDING
The ongoing operating costs of schools are met through parent contribution and government funding.
CAPITAL FUNDING
Most of the capital development (land, buildings, equipment) in Independent schools is funded from private sources.
Independent Schools Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay respect to Elders past and present, and commit to the ongoing journey of reconciliation.