Private School Enrolment Surges Across Australia, Fueling Segregation Concerns

Recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) reveals a significant and growing trend of private school enrolment across Australia. This shift is contributing to increased segregation within the national education system.

For the 2025 academic year, private school enrolments reached 37.2 percent of all students, accounting for 1,547,514 pupils. Meanwhile, public school enrolments stood at 62.8 percent, totalling 2,613,404 students.

"Private school enrolments reached 37.2 percent of students, while public school enrolments stood at 62.8 percent for 2025."

Public school enrolment declines were most pronounced in several states and territories, including Tasmania, New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, and the Northern Territory. Other states experienced more modest public school growth, but this growth consistently remained below that observed in private institutions. This trend unfolds amidst increasing scrutiny of state education departments and a notable expansion within the private school sector.

A Snapshot of Growth: ACC Marsden Park

Australian Christian College (ACC) Marsden Park, located in Sydney, serves as a prime example of this sector's expansion. The college has tripled its student population to over 1,500 in recent years and currently maintains a waiting list of 400-500 families.

Annual fees at ACC Marsden Park range from approximately $6,000 for kindergarten to $7,500 for years 11 and 12, with additional costs not included. Families report making financial sacrifices, such as postponing holidays, to afford these fees. They view private education as an investment in their children's future, often emphasizing a focus on good education and manners. Motivations also include a desire for specific social environments and peer groups for their children.

"Families report making financial sacrifices, such as postponing holidays, to afford these fees, viewing private education as an investment in their children's future."

Experts Weigh In: Equity, Funding, and Parental Priorities

Education experts describe the growing enrolment disparity as a concerning development, frequently citing persistent funding inequities that disadvantage public schools.

Funding Disparities and Social Impact: Associate Professor Emma Rowe

Associate Professor Emma Rowe of Deakin University highlights that declining educational equity and increasing school segregation are clearly evident. She notes that parents are progressively moving towards private schools, a pattern she directly links to financial considerations and funding disparities. Professor Rowe also underscores the significant financial burden on families due to rising tuition fees, cautioning that this trend could negatively impact social mobility and cohesion.

Australian parents contribute 22 percent to education costs, a figure significantly higher than the OECD average of 9 percent.

Parental Priorities and Future Investment: Dean Pearson

Conversely, National Australia Bank behavioural economist Dean Pearson's research suggests that despite broader cost-of-living concerns, parents prioritize education spending above many other expenses. He indicates that parents are least likely to cut back on outlays related to their children and their education.

Pearson's research identifies mental health support, wellbeing services, counsellors, pastoral care, and spirituality as key motivators for choosing independent and Catholic schools. Discipline is also a significant factor cited by both parents and students. Pearson anticipates continued investment in private schools, even as half of Australian households report reducing other spending due to ongoing cost-of-living pressures.