Why Are More Parents in NSW Turning Away from Public Education?
Declining Public School Enrolments
For the seventh year in a row, fewer students in New South Wales (NSW) are attending public schools.
Recent government data shows a drop of around 37,000 students in the public school system over the past five years.
In 2023, only 61.5% of students were enrolled in NSW public schools, down from 62.9% the previous year.
The NSW Department of Education has set a goal to increase public school enrolment to 65.5% by 2034.
Rising Popularity of Catholic and Private Schools
Catholic Schools Now hold a 21.8% share of enrolments, the highest in NSW history. This includes both systemic and independent Catholic schools.
Non-Catholic Private Schools: Have also seen growth, reaching a 16.7% enrolment share, another record high for the state.
Diversity in Students: Catholic schools are educating more disadvantaged students, with 15.7% of their enrolment from the lowest socio-educational quartile.
Geographic Spread: Growth in non-government school enrolment is happening across metropolitan Sydney, the Central West, and coastal areas.
Why Are Parents Choosing Non-Government Schools?
Perceived Academic Advantage: Many parents believe private and Catholic schools offer higher academic standards.
Safer Environments: Private schools are seen as more controlled, with better discipline and mental health support.
Long-Term Investment: Parents often view paying school fees as an investment in their child’s future success.
Positive Classroom Culture: Research shows parents are drawn to schools with calm, respectful, and engaging classroom environments.
How Is the Public Sector Responding?
Relaxed Catchment Rules: Policies are being updated to allow more flexibility in school choice.
School Upgrades: New public schools are being built where needed, and existing facilities are being improved.
Support for Gifted Students: Programs for high-potential and gifted students are expanding across 33 partner schools.
Website Refreshes: Over 2000 school websites are being updated to better represent school communities.
Early Education Initiatives: More preschools are opening on school sites to encourage families to continue in the public system.
Shift to Co-Ed Schools: Several single-sex high schools are being converted to co-ed to attract more families.
What Parents Are Saying
Facilities and Atmosphere: Some parents, like Fleur Savage, felt that public school facilities were lacking and "quite basic" compared to their own experiences or private options.
Values and Opportunities: Non-religious parents are choosing Catholic schools for their values, sporting programs, and positive school cultures.
Teacher Interaction: Parents highlight the friendly, respectful relationships between teachers and students as a deciding factor for choosing non-government schools.
The Bottom Line
The trend toward Catholic and private schools in NSW is at an all-time high, with parents seeking quality education, supportive environments, and better facilities.
Public education leaders are responding with new policies and infrastructure, but the gap in perception and enrolment remains a growing challenge for the sector.
