“Christian Schools Save Taxpayers Billions”

Australia’s private schools, most of which have a Christian affiliation, are being credited with saving the nation’s taxpayers more than $12.5 billion a year.

That’s according to a report by the Independent Schools Association (ISA) which represents around 1230 schools, nearly all of them with a religious link — mostly with a Christian denomination. 

The report found that non-government schools contribute $45 billion to the national economy — equal to 1.8% of GDP — and generate around 264,000 jobs.

ISA Chief Executive Graham Catt told News Corp newspapers it confirmed independent schools were not a drain on taxpayers — but “national assets” educating three quarters of a million students.

“PRIVATE SCHOOLS EASE PRESSURE ON GOVERNMENTS”

“Independent schools ease pressure on public schools, save billions for governments, and are expanding fastest in Australia’s most disadvantaged communities.”

“Families making sacrifices to choose an independent school are contributing twice – once to their school and again to the education of students in government schools,” Mr. Catt explained.

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.

GOVERNMENTS PAY TWICE AS MUCH FOR STUDENTS AT PUBLIC SCHOOLS

The ISA estimates it costs state and federal governments around $26,600 to educate a government school student, but only $13,100 for a private school student.

Including independent Catholic schools, 1,230 of the 9,653 schools in Australia are in the Independent school sector.

In 2024, they enrolled 744,993 students — 18% of the Australian student population, or one in six students.

EXCELLENT EDUCATION OUTCOMES AT PRIVATE SCHOOLS

The comprehensive ISA research, produced by the AEC Group, also shows the high academic results of private schools contributed $1.55 billion in GDP growth.

That’s according to the latest PISA (Program for International Student Assessment) test results.

“Students at Independent schools achieve excellent education outcomes due to the high-quality teaching provided and the tailored learning environment,” the research concluded.

The report revealed that 60% of students at an independent school come from a low or middle-income family, with much of the growth in the sector at schools charging fees of less than $7,500 a year.

CONCLUSION ON VALUE OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SECTOR

In summary, the report concluded: “The Independent school sector across Australia plays a vital role in delivering high-quality education services to
children and families nationwide.”

“As an essential component of the education landscape, this sector provides diverse schooling options that complement the government and Catholic school systems.”

“This diversity in educational offerings allows families the freedom to choose schools that align not only with academic or extra-curricular goals, but
also with specific values, religious beliefs, and educational philosophies.”