Australia’s school landscape is undergoing significant change, with increasing numbers of families opting for private education. According to Sally Larsen, senior lecturer in education at the University of New England, this shift highlights key challenges and inequities within the education system.
Recent data revealed a steady decline in the proportion of students attending public schools, coupled with rising enrolments in independent schools. Between 2006 and 2023, independent school enrolments rose from 13% to 16%. Enrolments at Catholic schools have also grown in absolute numbers, though their proportional share remains just under 20%.
Public schools still educate the majority of students. However, the decline is particularly noticeable in secondary education, where public school enrolments dropped from 66% in 1996 to 58% in 2023.
Factors driving change
While comprehensive research on why families choose private schools is limited, several contributing factors are evident:
- Policy shifts: In the 1990s, the Howard government introduced funding policies enabling the establishment of new independent schools, increasing options for families. Since 2006, 131 independent schools have been added, while the number of public schools has decreased by 90.
- Affordability: Newer independent schools, often charging annual fees around A$5,000, appeal to middle-income families seeking alternatives to elite schools.
- Perceived quality: Many parents associate private schools with better academic outcomes, despite evidence showing no consistent advantage. Frequent reports of challenges in public schools may further influence perceptions.
- Infrastructure gaps: State governments have struggled to meet demand in rapidly growing suburbs, leaving some families without viable public school options.
Parental decision-making
School selection often reflects family values and priorities. A 2016 study by the Australian Institute of Family Studies highlighted factors such as proximity, reputation, and alignment with cultural or religious values. For instance, parents may prioritise convenience for primary education but seek academic or extracurricular excellence for high school.
Broader implications
Larsen highlighted that Australia’s education system exhibits significant socioeconomic segregation, with private schools increasingly enrolling students from affluent backgrounds. Meanwhile, public schools disproportionately serve children from disadvantaged communities, including those in regional or remote areas and those with special needs.
These enrolment trends raise questions about equity. As more families opt for private education, disparities between schools may widen, potentially limiting opportunities for children from lower-income households.
Call for further research
Larsen emphasised the need for updated research to understand these shifts better. Key areas of inquiry include the motivations behind private school enrolment among middle- and lower-income families and how these trends affect the broader education system.
“Parents will naturally choose what they perceive to be the best school for their children,” Larsen noted. “But of course not all families have a choice. This may be because there is only one school in their area, or they cannot afford the fees for a private school.”