Independent Schools Australia

This week, because of my job, I have been tagged in a few posts, one even telling me to “check my privilege with my super rich Bentley driving parents.” Here’s the truth: my family wasn’t wealthy. My mum didn’t finish high school and sometimes had to live in a tent. My dad started as a bank teller and worked incredibly hard to build a better future for us. Neither went to Uni. I proudly went to public school until Year 7, but my parents—who weren’t well-off—made the tough decision to sacrifice their financial independence to send my brother and me to The Rockhampton Grammar School. When people attack Independent schools, they’re attacking families like mine. Families who work hard, pay taxes, and then pay extra to give their kids an education they believe is best for them. Families who shouldn’t have to justify why they deserve a little government support for making that choice. Latest figures show students in Independent schools receive significantly less government funding on average per student compared to government schools ($12,160 per student from all sources of Government funding compared to $22,510). The facts speak for themselves: more than 60% of students in Independent schools come from low to middle-income households. These are everyday Australians who make real sacrifices for their kids' futures. Why should they be vilified for choosing what they believe is right for their children? Let’s be clear: we all want public schools to be fully and fairly funded. That’s not up for debate. But pitting parents against each other—public versus private—helps no one. It divides us when we should be united in lifting up education for every Australian child, regardless of the school they attend. People are choosing Independent schools in record numbers. They shouldn’t be punished or shamed for making that choice. Families, like mine and so many others, deserve better than this blame game. It’s time to call out those who sow division and instead focus on a vision where every child, in every school, can thrive. Together, we can support all Australian families and build a stronger education system for everyone. Let’s lift each other up, not tear each other down. #schoolchoicecounts Independent Schools Australia

📢 ISA's new report, “Independent Schooling 2024 - Enrolment Trends, Characteristics and Projections,” reveals a notable shift towards Independent schools, driven by middle to low-income families making significant sacrifices for their children's education. Enrolments have surged by 3.8% from 2022 to 2023, marking the strongest growth in over a decade. With an expected increase of 121,000 students by 2033, Independent schools are on track to enrol the most students in non-government schools by 2027. The report is now available on ISA’s website (link in comments) #schoolchoicecounts #independentschools #independentschoolsaustralia

Independent Schools Australia (ISA) CEO Graham Catt is one of six association leaders profiled in the Association CEO Index 2024, released this week by the Australasian Society of Association Executives (AuSAE). The inaugural index is a snapshot of the rewards and challenges of leadership in the associations sector. In it, Graham reflects on his journey as a CEO, and how it has brought him to ISA, and the rich opportunities for leadership and helping people grow beyond their own expectations that associations offer. ISA represents the eight state and territory associations of Independent schools, who are great examples of vital role associations play as they advocate for and support Australia’s 1,216 Independent schools. The Independent sector faces many challenges including families managing rising cost-of-living pressures, student wellbeing, teacher shortage, funding uncertainty, and misleading portrayals by some stakeholders with political agendas.   The profile and full index report and can be found here: https://lnkd.in/g7bg-uwK

In the run-up to #WorldChildrensDay ISA’s Director of Education Policy, Tracey Taylor, today participated in a key panel discussion at the Children and Young People at Risk Summit in Melbourne. The panel focused on strategies to help young people stay in school and highlighted the crucial role of early intervention in preventing disengagement. The two-day summit features dynamic, practical, and solution-driven discussions, bringing together a national audience of key stakeholders—from government agencies and NGOs to legal professionals and educators. It coincides with the 35th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, marking a significant moment when governments, including Australia, committed to 54 essential rights that every child under 18 should have to lead a safe, healthy, and fulfilling life. #WorldChildrensDay #YouthEngagement #ChildrensRights Emma Gierschick OAM

School Choice Counts: Our Community Voices 🎓📚 Today, we joined with Association of Independent Schools of South Australia and principals and community members from St Peter's Woodlands Grammar School, St John's Grammar School, Scotch College Adelaide, and IQRA College to brief Member for Boothby Louise Miller-Frost MP. The schools told the MP that their families deeply value school choice and make significant sacrifices to access Independent education. They also made it clear that their students aren't political footballs and deserve support. Thank you, Ms. Miller-Frost, for your insights and all who joined this important dialogue. #SchoolChoiceCounts #IndependentSchools #ParentalChoice

📢 ISA Supports Reform for Better Outcomes in Education! 📚 Today, ISA CEO Graham Catt and Director of Policy and Research Caroline Miller participated in the Senate Public Hearing on the Inquiry into Better and Fairer Schools (Funding and Reform) Bill 2024. Independent schools advocate for the Bill’s aim of full funding of the Schooling Resource Standard for government schools, as this is crucial for achieving our shared goals. However, it’s essential— as Gonski recommended—that all students, across every sector, have access to the necessary resources. We have concerns that the current Bill offers funding guarantees and consultation for the government sector that are not extended to non-government schools. For a collaborative approach to improving outcomes and supporting school choice, all sectors should be included and treated equitably in relation to school funding. 👉 Read ISA’s submission here: https://lnkd.in/gcMk3gcu #SchoolChoiceCounts #IndependentSchools #IndependentSchoolsAustralia #ParentalChoice

Today a group of Independent school leaders and parents met with Independent Member for Mackellar, Dr Sophie Scamps MP, to discuss why School Choice Counts. During the meeting we heard insights from representatives of local Mackellar schools Barrenjoey Montessori School, Covenant Christian School Sydney, Galstaun College, Northern Beaches Christian School and Oxford Falls Grammar . Their stories told of the sacrifices parents are willing to make to choose an Independent education and the significant contributions these schools make to our community. The roundtable discussion hosted by Independent Schools Australia and Association of Independent Schools of NSW focussed on the fundamental role of government to support all schools and how that support should not be reduced to a misleading government vs non-government blame game. We thank Dr Scamps for her valuable insights and support, as well as all the schools and parents for their participation and contributions to this important discussion. #SchoolChoiceCounts #IndependentSchools #IndependentSchoolsAustralia #ParentalChoice

Today, Monday 11 November 2024, is Remembrance Day where we commemorate the anniversary of the armistice that brought an end to the fighting in World War I. At the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, we join millions around the globe in a moment of silence to honour the sacrifices made by so many. Their courage and commitment have paved the way for the freedoms we cherish today. Let us remember and reflect. Lest We Forget. 🙏

ISA congratulates Australian students for their exceptional performance in the OECD PISA 2022 creative thinking assessment. The results highlight the dedication and hard work of students and teachers across the country. With an impressive 85% of government school students, 92% of Catholic school students, and 93% of Independent school students achieving the National Proficient Standard, these results all surpass the OECD average of 78%. This achievement highlights the dedication of students and teachers nationwide and underscores the importance of fostering #creativethinking skills. See ISA’s Media Release at https://lnkd.in/g3P6VWuw #independentschoolsaustralia

Following the recent announcement that the Indigenous Boarding Schools Grants Program will be extended for two years, ISA CEO Graham Catt and Association of Independent Schools Northern Territory ED Cheryl Salter met with Wes Meurant AICD, Principal at Yirara College in Alice Springs.  They observed first-hand how these vital grants will play a crucial role in providing cultural, emotional, and pastoral support to Indigenous students from remote areas, where access to secondary education is often limited.  Long-term funding is essential to Closing the Gap. #IndigenousEducation #ClosingTheGap #IndependentSchools #IndependentSchoolsAustralia #SupportBoardingSchools #SaveIndigenousSchools Yirara College of the Finke River Mission Inc.