The Association of Independent Schools of NSW (AISNSW) welcomed today’s announcement by the NSW Government of an increase in capital funding support for non-government schools over the next four years to assist them to meet growing demand for enrolments.
The NSW Treasurer, Dominic Perrottet and Minister for Education, Rob Stokes, said an additional $32 million will be allocated to the Building Grants Assistance Scheme which directs funding to Independent and Catholic schools with the greatest level of need.
Dr Geoff Newcombe, AISNSW Chief Executive, said the additional funding was recognition of the important role of Independent schools and their communities in meeting the increasing demand for school places over the next 5-10 years.
He also said enrolments in independent schools have been growing at a faster rate than any other part of the school sector for a number of years, a fact the NSW Government has clearly identified, with more than 50,000 additional students expected in independent schools over the next 12 to 13 years.
"Since 2013 independent school enrolments have grown by more than 10 per cent, while other school sectors have seen a decline in their enrolment share.
"Parents are increasingly choosing an independent school education for their children and we expect enrolments to grow even more quickly in coming years."
Dr Newcombe said that in addition to the payment of school fees, parents of children at independent schools currently fund more than 90 per cent of the costs of all capital building projects, considerably reducing the burden on the taxpayer, however this level of contribution was unsustainable for many school communities.
"As a considerable portion of the future enrolment growth in independent schools is expected to be in lower socio-economic areas, this additional funding will be directed to school communities where it is most needed."
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