Private School Boom: Public School Enrolments Decline in NSW
New data reveals a significant shift in New South Wales’ education landscape, with private schools experiencing unprecedented growth while public school enrolments have seen a steady decline for the seventh consecutive year. This trend, driven by a confluence of factors including a lack of new public school infrastructure in burgeoning areas, falling birth rates in established suburbs, and a growing parental preference for faith-based education, has led to a record number of students attending independent and Catholic schools across the state.
Last year alone, the NSW public education system lost nearly 7,000 pupils. Official statistics indicate that independent school enrolments have now reached 16.6 per cent of the total student population, equating to approximately 209,000 students. This surge is particularly pronounced at the secondary level, where an additional 20,000 female students have enrolled in independent schools since the onset of the pandemic.
The trend in NSW mirrors a national pattern, with independent school enrolments nationwide rising by a substantial 31 per cent, or 168,448 students, between 2016 and 2025. Catholic schools have also seen their share of the student population grow, now accounting for 21.8 per cent of all students, with a total of 274,763 pupils attending systemic or independent Catholic institutions. In contrast, public school enrolments now represent 61.5 per cent of all students, a figure that translates to 773,956 pupils.
A spokesperson for the NSW Department of Education acknowledged the declining enrolment figures and outlined several strategies being implemented to reverse the trend. These include the “Inspire” program, designed to offer gifted education options to high-potential students across all schools, and measures to enhance the appeal of public education. These initiatives aim to make public schools more attractive to families by introducing co-educational models through the merging of single-sex high schools, modernising school websites, and easing enrolment policies to allow for greater out-of-area placements.
The department also pointed to the critical role of infrastructure development. “The NSW government is addressing that by delivering, through a record education budget, new and upgraded schools where they are needed in high-growth areas, ensuring all families have access to a world-class public education close to home,” the spokesperson stated. The success of new public schools, such as Melonba Public School in north-west Sydney which opened last year and already boasts over 900 enrolments, is highlighted as evidence of parental acceptance when quality facilities are provided.
Diverse Drivers of Private School Growth
Margery Evans, Chief Executive of the NSW Independent Schools Association, elaborated on the diverse reasons behind the rise in private school enrolments. She noted that a significant portion of this growth is occurring in low- and mid-fee faith-based schools, which cater to families in Sydney’s rapidly developing outer suburbs.
- Faith-Based Appeal: Many of these schools are attracting families who are making deliberate choices based on their faith and cultural values.
- Geographic Reach: The growth is not confined to specific areas; it spans across all fee levels, geographic locations, and school types.
- Emerging Institutions: The sector is becoming more diverse, with plans for new Hindu and Sikh schools expected to open soon, further catering to a wider range of cultural and religious preferences.
Evans also clarified that the expansion of the private sector is not solely attributable to a deficit in public school construction. While acknowledging the importance of infrastructure, she emphasised that the diversity and specific offerings of private schools play a crucial role. High-fee schools, often located in the city’s eastern and northern suburbs, constitute a smaller segment of the independent sector, making up just 13 per cent.
Public Schools Thriving Against the Trend
Despite the overall decline, some public schools have successfully bucked the trend, demonstrating that quality education and strong academic outcomes can continue to attract students. Cumberland High in Carlingford, for example, has seen its enrolment more than double from 663 students in 2017 to 1,173 last year. Principal Luke Fulwood attributes this success to the school’s consistent record of strong Higher School Certificate (HSC) results and its commitment to providing excellent learning opportunities.
“I think when they see a school that’s doing really well, adding value to the students, providing really great opportunities for students to do their best in their learning, I think that also helps the families to see us as the school that they want to send their kid to for high school,” Fulwood explained.
The Rise of Islamic Schools in Sydney’s South-West
In Sydney’s south-west, Islamic schools have experienced a notable surge in popularity. Malek Fahd Islamic School has seen its enrolment increase by 846 pupils across its Greenacre, Beaumont Hills, and Hoxton Park campuses over the past five years. Similarly, Al Noori Muslim School in Greenacre added 767 students, and Al-Faisal’s Auburn campus saw its enrolments climb by 345 students during the same period. Unity Grammar, another Islamic school located in Austral, has enrolled an additional 500 students in the last five years, bringing its total to 1,428.
Executive principal Sam Halbouni of Unity Grammar highlighted several factors contributing to the school’s appeal. He noted that while there are multiple Islamic schooling options available, students are drawn to Unity Grammar’s comprehensive curriculum, which includes HSC pathways and apprenticeship opportunities, alongside a strong emphasis on student wellbeing.
- Unique Offerings: The school differentiates itself by catering to students of all abilities and integrating Islamic principles into the school’s fabric.
- Holistic Education: A key factor for parents is the assurance that Islam is an integral part of the school’s ethos.
- Cultural and Global Engagement: The school fosters a connection to Islamic heritage through trips to Saudi Arabia and promotes a sense of global citizenship through annual service trips to Cambodia.
