Choosing the right school for your child is a tough call. In Australia parents often weigh private schools against public schools. Both have strengths and drawbacks. This article explores the differences between private and public schools in Australia. We’ll look at costs facilities academic results class sizes and more. By the end you’ll have a better idea of which option fits your child best.
What Are Private and Public Schools?
In Australia schools split into two main types: public and private. Public schools get funding from the government. They’re free for Australian residents though you pay for things like uniforms or school trips. Private schools also called independent or non-government schools rely on tuition fees and sometimes religious groups. They often focus on specific values like religion or unique teaching methods.
Public schools make up about two-thirds of Australia’s schools. Private schools including Catholic and independent ones cover the rest. Each type gives a different experience. Your choice depends on your child’s needs your budget and your family’s values.
How Much Do They Cost?
Cost is a big deal for most parents. Public schools are mostly free. You still pay for uniforms books and extras like sports or camps. Recent data shows public schooling from Kindergarten to Year 12 costs about $123294 in cities. In regional areas it’s around $81141. These costs cover things like school supplies and activities.
Private schools cost a lot more. Tuition fees average about $24000 a year. Over 13 years that’s $350158 in cities or $244075 in regional areas. Catholic schools are a bit cheaper averaging $193666 in cities. For example top schools like Geelong Grammar charge over $46000 a year for senior students. If your budget is tight public schools are often the way to go. But some families feel private schools are worth the price.
Do Private Schools Perform Better Academically?
Many parents think private schools give better academic results. They point to smaller classes and more resources. But studies show it’s not always true. A 2022 study in the Australian Educational Researcher found public schools do just as well as private ones in tests like NAPLAN when you factor in socioeconomic status.
Private schools like Sydney Grammar often lead in NAPLAN and HSC rankings. For example Sydney Grammar had an average NAPLAN score of 595.5 for Years 3 and 5 in 2025. But public schools like Melbourne High School and North Sydney Boys High School also rank high. Some research even suggests public school students may do better at university despite similar ATAR scores. This might be because public schools teach kids to learn independently.
Also See: Top 100 Private Schools in Australia 2025
Class Sizes and Personal Attention
One key benefit of private schools is smaller class sizes. On average private schools have 12.7 students per teacher. Public schools have 13.4 students per teacher. Smaller classes let teachers focus more on each student. This is great for kids who need extra help or have special needs.
Public schools often have bigger classes especially in cities. But some public schools like selective ones keep classes small. For example Matthew Pearce Public School in NSW offers Opportunity Classes for gifted kids with focused teaching. If your child needs one-on-one attention a private school might be better. Public schools can still offer quality education especially in selective programs.
Facilities and Extracurricular Options
Private schools often have amazing facilities. Think modern gyms swimming pools and top-notch libraries. They also offer more extracurricular activities like music drama and elite sports. Some even provide international trips. These options can help your child grow and learn new skills.
Public schools vary in facilities. Some in wealthier areas have great resources. Others especially older schools may have outdated buildings. Public schools offer extracurriculars too but they might not be as wide-ranging. For example public schools often focus on local activities like community sports. If your child loves specialized programs like robotics or theater private schools might have the edge.
Diversity and Community Feel
Public schools are known for diversity. They welcome students from all backgrounds including different income levels and cultures. This creates an inclusive environment. Kids learn to get along with people who are different from them which is a great life skill.
Private schools can be less diverse especially in wealthy areas. But many private schools particularly Catholic ones aim to be inclusive. About 38% of Catholic schools serve regional or remote areas including students with disabilities or Indigenous backgrounds. Private schools often build a strong sense of community especially in religious or values-based schools. If diversity and inclusion matter to you public schools might feel more welcoming.
Discipline and School Culture
Discipline is another thing parents think about. Private schools often have strict rules. They may require uniforms enforce high behavior standards and create a formal vibe. Some parents like this structure believing it builds respect and focus. A parent on Buzzfeed shared that moving their daughter to a private Catholic school made them feel she was safer from bullying due to stricter rules.
Public schools vary in discipline. Some have strong anti-bullying programs. Others struggle with behavior issues. Public schools must accept all students which can make managing diverse needs tricky. But they often have a more relaxed inclusive culture. Your choice might depend on whether you want a strict or laid-back environment for your child.
Are Schools Easy to Access?
Location plays a big role in choosing a school. Public schools are spread across cities and suburbs making them easier to reach. They often serve local kids so your child might go to school with neighbors. Public schools also accept international students with simpler entry rules.
Private schools are often in richer areas like Toorak or Kew in Melbourne. This can make them harder to access for some families. Private schools may also require entrance exams or interviews which can be stressful. For example top private schools ask for AEAS scores of 70-80 points. If convenience matters public schools might be the better pick.
Funding and Fairness Issues
School funding is a big topic in Australia. Public schools depend on government funding which has grown 23% in the last decade. Private schools have seen a 37% increase in government funding despite charging high fees. This raises questions about fairness. Public schools must take all students while private schools can choose who they admit. This can create a gap with private schools attracting wealthier families.
Some experts say public schools don’t get enough funding. This makes it harder for them to offer resources like private schools. For example public schools may lack specialists like psychologists or speech therapists. If fairness and equality are important to you this might push you toward public schools.
Enrollment Trends in 2025
In 2025 private school enrollments are growing faster than public ones. Over the past five years independent schools saw an 18.5% increase in students. Catholic schools grew 6.6% and public schools just 1%. About 63.4% of students go to public schools 19.9% to Catholic schools and 16.8% to independent schools. This shift has sparked talk of a “flight” from public schools especially in high school.
Parents are picking private schools for better facilities smaller classes and academic advantages. But experts like Pasi Sahlberg from the University of Melbourne warn this trend could lead to more segregation. Disadvantaged students might end up concentrated in public schools. Your decision might consider whether you want to follow this trend or support the public system.
How to Choose the Right School
Picking between private and public schools depends on what your family values. If you want smaller classes specialized programs and modern facilities a private school might be worth the cost. But if affordability diversity and community are key public schools can be a great fit. Think about your child’s needs. Do they need extra academic help? Are they into specific activities? Visiting schools and talking to teachers can help you decide.