Western Australia’s education costs have surged, with Perth now ranked as the nation’s second most expensive city to educate children in public schools. New modelling from the Futurity Investment Group reveals a 35% increase in public education costs over the past year.
For a child starting pre-primary at a public school in Perth this year, parents are expected to spend $122,106 across 13 years of schooling, a report from The West Australian highlighted. While public schools in WA do not charge tuition fees, expenses such as voluntary contributions, extracurricular activities, and technology have driven the sharp rise.
Breakdown of public education costs in Perth
WA parents face higher-than-average expenses in several categories. Costs for music lessons and instruments are among the highest in the country, with Perth families spending an average of $1,041 annually — nearly double what parents in Adelaide pay. School excursions are another burden, costing $429 per year, second only to Sydney.
Technology requirements, including software and devices, cost WA families $683 annually, well above the national average of $480. Additionally, parents report higher-than-average textbook costs, with Perth ranking just behind Sydney in this category.
The report also highlighted that more than 325,000 children, or two-thirds of WA students, attend public schools.
Support measures for families
The Department of Education in WA emphasised its commitment to ensuring equitable access to education despite rising costs. Phillipa Beamish Burton, deputy director-general for education business services, said WA public schools provide various forms of assistance to help families manage financial pressures.
“Public schools in WA do not charge a tuition fee, and voluntary parent contributions towards the cost of materials, services and facilities are capped — these have not increased since 2000,” she explained. “Schools ensure optional charges are kept to a minimum and that a no-cost option can be provided to students for compulsory programs to ensure students have access to a high-quality education regardless of their financial circumstances.”
Fee assistance programs, uniform subsidies, and canteen vouchers are among the support measures offered to families. Additionally, many schools subsidise activities such as camps, excursions, and swimming lessons to reduce costs.
Private and catholic schooling in WA
Despite the public education cost surge, Perth remains the most affordable city for independent schooling, with a total estimated cost of $300,109 for a child starting this year. This figure, while significant, is 14% below the national average.
Meanwhile, Catholic education in WA has seen a 5% drop in costs compared to last year, with parents spending an estimated $192,613 over 13 years. Perth is the second least expensive city for Catholic schooling, after Adelaide.
As education costs climb, WA families are increasingly relying on support measures and making sacrifices to manage their budgets. Experts suggest the trend will continue to challenge parents across the state.