Sydney private schools with the highest-earning parents

Funding Inequity in Australian Schools

A recent analysis reveals significant disparities in school funding in Australia, favoring wealthy private schools over underfunded public schools. The study, conducted by Save Our Schools, compared parental income data with federal funding allocations.

Key Findings

• High-income private schools like Loreto Kirribilli, Newington College, and St Augustine's receive over $11 million in federal funding above the school resourcing standard.
• The funding model, based on a school's 'capacity to contribute' score, is criticized for underestimating the financial capacity of private school parents.
• Public schools, in contrast, are largely underfunded, with none reaching the agreed-upon Schooling Resource Standard (SRS).

This disparity has raised concerns about fairness and equity in education. While the Association of Independent Schools defends the system as a necessary adjustment phase, critics argue that it exacerbates existing inequalities and disadvantages students in underfunded public schools. The issue highlights ongoing debates about the distribution of education funding and the need for a fairer model.

Government Response

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare acknowledges the funding gap and the need for a new funding agreement to address the inequities. He highlighted the need for increased Commonwealth and state contributions to public schools. The Greens also expressed concern, stating that the current system contradicts the intentions of the Gonski review which aimed to fund schools based on need, irrespective of sector.