A Guide to Private Schools in Australia

Private schools in Australia consist primarily of privately owned & funded schools that provide primary and/or secondary education. Private schools are also referred to as non-government schools and may be independent or affiliated with religious organizations, and they offer a variety of educational approaches, programs, and facilities.

Private schools in Australia generally follow the same education stages as other schools, offering education from early childhood (kindergarten) to Year 12.

The private school system in Australia is an important part of the country’s education landscape, offering an alternative to the public school system. Private schools are privately funded and managed, with most charging tuition fees.

Private schools are not administered by state or territory governments, though they must adhere to educational policies set by relevant jurisdictions.

Types of Private Schools

Private schools in Australia can be broadly categorized into the following types:

Independent Schools

• Characteristics: These schools are completely independent from government control and are privately owned and operated. They set their own curriculum, policies, and rules, however, are regulated under the relevant government jurisdictions.
• Curriculum: Independent schools may follow the Australian Curriculum or offer alternative curricula. Some may specialize in areas such as the arts, sport, or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
• Fee Structure: Independent schools charge tuition fees that can vary significantly, depending on the school’s location, reputation, and facilities.

Religious Schools

• Characteristics: Religious private schools are affiliated with particular religious denominations, such as Catholic, Anglican, Lutheran, or other Christian denominations, or other faiths. These schools integrate religious teachings with the standard curriculum.
• Curriculum: Religious schools generally offer the same curriculum as independent schools but may include religious education or faith-based programs alongside standard subjects.
• Fee Structure: Fees can vary widely, but they are generally lower than those for independent schools. Catholic schools, for example, may receive some government funding, which can reduce the fees for families.

Catholic Schools

• Characteristics: Catholic schools are the largest group of private schools in Australia. They are run by dioceses, religious orders, or other Catholic organizations. They combine general education with religious teaching based on Catholic values.
• Curriculum: Catholic schools generally follow the Australian Curriculum and also provide Catholic Religious Education.
• Fee Structure: Catholic schools charge tuition fees, which are usually more affordable compared to non-religious private schools. These fees can vary depending on the school’s location, facilities, and grade level.

Other Religious Schools (e.g., Anglican, Jewish, Islamic)

• Characteristics: Other faith-based private schools, such as Anglican, Jewish, and Islamic schools, also integrate religious education with the standard academic curriculum. These schools cater to families seeking an education aligned with their religious beliefs and values.
• Curriculum: Similar to Catholic schools, these schools typically offer a secular curriculum (e.g., the Australian Curriculum) alongside religious education.
• Fee Structure: Fees for religious private schools can vary depending on the religious affiliation and the school’s location.

Montessori and Steiner Schools

• Characteristics: Montessori and Steiner schools are private schools that offer alternative educational methods. These schools are often sought by parents looking for non-traditional approaches to learning.
• Curriculum: Montessori schools follow the Montessori method, which emphasizes self-directed learning, independence, and hands-on experiences. Steiner (Waldorf) schools follow the Steiner philosophy, focusing on creative, holistic education, including artistic, physical, and academic development.
• Fee Structure: Fees for these schools vary depending on the location and educational approach.

Curriculum and Programs

Private schools in Australia follow the Australian Curriculum (for general academic subjects) but may offer variations or additional programs.

General Curriculum

• Core Subjects: Students in private schools study subjects such as English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Physical Education, and The Arts.
• Elective Subjects: In secondary school (Years 7–12), students may have the option to choose from a range of elective subjects based on their interests and future career goals (e.g., languages, technology, humanities, and the arts).
• Specialized Programs: Some private schools offer specialized programs such as STEM education, creative arts, languages, or sports academies.

Religious Education

• Private religious schools, particularly Catholic and Anglican schools, include religious education as part of their curriculum. Students learn about the values, doctrines, and traditions of the specific faith.
• Religious schools may also incorporate daily or weekly worship, prayer, and participation in faith-based activities.

Alternative Education

• Montessori and Steiner schools offer alternative curricula that emphasize self-directed learning, creativity, and personal development. These approaches are less focused on standardized testing and more on the holistic development of the child.

Australia also has a variety of private schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

Extra-Curricular Activities

• Private schools offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sporting programs, music, debating, drama, and community service programs.
• Participation in these activities allows students to develop skills outside the classroom and enhances their overall educational experience.

Governance and Funding

Private schools in Australia are primarily funded through tuition fees paid by parents, though many receive additional funding from both the state and federal governments. The level of government funding varies based on the type of school (e.g., Catholic schools generally receive some government support, while independent schools receive less).

Some private schools offer scholarships, bursaries, or financial assistance for families who need support with tuition fees.