Parents want choice in schooling

There were 429,070 students enrolled in independent schools in 2005, representing a national enrolment growth of 3.1 percent over 2004. In the decade since 1995 independent school enrolments have grown by 46.1 percent.

"The ABS data confirm a continuing strong demand for independent schools," said Mr Bill Daniels, Executive Director of the Independent Schools Council of Australia. "The fact that parents have to put their hands into their own pockets to contribute to the cost of their children’s education in independent schools demonstrates enormous confidence in independent schools to deliver the best for their children."

Research undertaken by the Independent Schools Council of Australia shows there is a range of reasons parents choose an independent school for their children’s education.

"Factors parents cite as important in school choice are teacher quality, disciplinary code, school values that reflect those taught at home, responsiveness to students’ individual needs and a safe, stable school environment," said Mr Daniels.

Mr Daniels said the growth in the number of students with disabilities enrolled in independent schools in 2005 was 4.3 per cent, significantly higher than average enrolment growth in the sector.

"The increase in the number of students with disabilities enrolling in independent schools is evidence of how well independent schools are meeting the needs of these children," said Mr Daniels. "When a student with disabilities enrols in a non-government school, they lose access to the same level of funding support available to students with disabilities in government-owned schools. Depending on the state or territory in which students live, the funding gap can be over $20,000 per student per year."

Mr Daniels said students with disabilities also lose eligibility for a range of vital government services when they enrol in an independent school.

"Achieving more equitable funding arrangements for students with disabilities is a priority for the independent sector in 2006," said Mr Daniels.

Full-time independent School Enrolments 2004-05 Victoria

% growth 2.2%

% of total school enrolments 13.1%

% of total secondary enrolments 18.1%

% of total Year 11 & 12 enrolments 20.3%

Total number of independent schools

Primary only 55

Secondary only 18

Combined 125

Special 10