Public vs Private School funding

[Carn The Berries]

Is there a breakdown of how much the said private schools are getting say compared to a government in total per student between State and Federal? And which schools? Like there are many private schools for disabilities etc

Yes - It's not the actual amounts per se, but it shows what each non-government school's CTC score is (Capacity to Contribute). This is calculated using tax return data from the addresses of enrolled students (DMI - Direct Measure of Income)

There is a sliding scale of funding linked to the CTC scores. Schools with lower CTC scores can receive up to 100% of the Student Resource Standard (SRS) each year. Funding is capped at a minimum of 20% of SRS for high CTC scores (generally the more affluent non-government schools).

https://www.education.gov.au/school-funding/resources/2025-ctc-scores

 

[10571z]

Yes - It's not the actual amounts per se, but it shows what each non-government school's CTC score is (Capacity to Contribute). This is calculated using tax return data from the addresses of enrolled students (DMI - Direct Measure of Income)

There is a sliding scale of funding linked to the CTC scores. Schools with lower CTC scores can receive up to 100% of the Student Resource Standard (SRS) each year. Funding is capped at a minimum of 20% of SRS for high CTC scores (generally the more affluent non-government schools).

https://www.education.gov.au/school-funding/resources/2025-ctc-scores

What would Scotch receive say compared to the average public school of the same size

 

[Carn The Berries]

What would Scotch receive say compared to the average public school of the same size

They'd receive about 20% of what the public school would (assuming that the state school receives 100% of its allocation, which isn't always the case).

 

[10571z]

They'd receive about 20% of what the public school would (assuming that the state school receives 100% of its allocation, which isn't always the case).

Ok, well sounds like a great win for the state. Top education at potentially 20% of the price.

 

[Reg Grundy35]

Ok, well sounds like a great win for the state. Top education at potentially 20% of the price.

Nah it should be 0% because its not available to anyone but an exclusive cohort who wants to opt out of govt education. thats not how govt funding and school choice works in the rest of the world

 

[10571z]

Nah it should be 0% because its not available to anyone but an exclusive cohort who wants to opt out of govt education. thats not how govt funding and school choice works in the rest of the world

Seems like a good deal for kids to receive top line education for a far cheaper rate than the government can do it for? Sounds like the goverment is saving money and able to invest money into public schools this way.

Better education leads to higher skilled kids which is far more beneficial to the country.

 

[Ghost Patrol]

Seems like a good deal for kids to receive top line education for a far cheaper rate than the government can do it for? Sounds like the goverment is saving money and able to invest money into public schools this way.

Better education leads to higher skilled kids which is far more beneficial to the country.

If every Australian had higher skills, wouldn’t you need to increase immigration to fill all the lower paying jobs?

 

[10571z]

If every Australian had higher skills, wouldn’t you need to increase immigration to fill all the lower paying jobs?

I’m not sure how this comment is relevant to the discussion at hand

 

[Gralin]

The problem is the total funding pool is finite and could be far better split.

The life lottery doesn’t need to be reinforced by government.

It’s the culture of welfare for everybody that was largely started by Howard.

If people can afford to completely educate their own children then they should.

But I wouldn’t even income test it. Even if they don’t want to pay for it, fine - the state will pick up the tab at a state school.

But don’t expect to choose to pay for some expensive school only to have the state put in even more to top it up and push your kids further ahead of those down the street.

It’s like saying everybody should receive welfare payments no matter how much they earn from work. Why not that? It doesn’t cost the government any more to give a millionaire $1000 than it does to give an unemployed person $1000.

It’s really a form of reverse flat taxation, and flat taxation is ridiculously unfair.

The reality of this bullshit system in practice is clear: ridiculous excess at private schools while state schools need more funding.

It just reeks of standard LNP values since Howard: use the tax system and budget to further boost inequality. Give more to the rich under the facile, bullshit cover of “equality is giving everybody the same, no matter how much they do or don’t need it.”

it also creates a pressure release valve for governments to actually fix the public system

because people opt out of it and fight for the private system to get tax payer funding intead of fighting for the government to fix the public system

and the people with money and influence largely are out of the public system and don't give a **** about it

 

[10571z]

The problem is the total funding pool is finite and could be far better split.

The life lottery doesn’t need to be reinforced by government.

It’s the culture of welfare for everybody that was largely started by Howard.

If people can afford to completely educate their own children then they should.

But I wouldn’t even income test it. Even if they don’t want to pay for it, fine - the state will pick up the tab at a state school.

But don’t expect to choose to pay for some expensive school only to have the state put in even more to top it up and push your kids further ahead of those down the street.

It’s like saying everybody should receive welfare payments no matter how much they earn from work. Why not that? It doesn’t cost the government any more to give a millionaire $1000 than it does to give an unemployed person $1000.

It’s really a form of reverse flat taxation, and flat taxation is ridiculously unfair.

The reality of this bullshit system in practice is clear: ridiculous excess at private schools while state schools need more funding.

It just reeks of standard LNP values since Howard: use the tax system and budget to further boost inequality. Give more to the rich under the facile, bullshit cover of “equality is giving everybody the same, no matter how much they do or don’t need it.”

I don’t agree.

Private schools are performing a required government service, doing it at a far cheaper rate to the tax payer and getting better results.

Parents are all paying their share of tax and putting money into states overall education.

Sounds like a win win to me.

If private schools received no money from the government many would increase fees and be out of reach. That’s not a good result.

Also when you say “But don’t expect to choose to pay for some expensive school only to have the state put in even more to top it up and push your kids further ahead of those down the street.”

So the private school child not to doing as well would be seen as a positive?

 

[Bunk Moreland]

I don’t agree.

Private schools are performing a required government service, doing it at a far cheaper rate to the tax payer and getting better results.

Parents are all paying their share of tax and putting money into states overall education.

Sounds like a win win to me.

If private schools received no money from the government many would increase fees and be out of reach. That’s not a good result.

Also when you say “But don’t expect to choose to pay for some expensive school only to have the state put in even more to top it up and push your kids further ahead of those down the street.”

So the private school child not to doing as well would be seen as a positive?

No, I’m saying all kids should receive equal funding.

If you’re able to pay for it yourself, you should.

If you can’t - or even if you don’t want to - that’s for you to decide - the state will pick up the tab at a state school.

But paying for it yourself AND expecting the government to give you funds as well to make it superior? Please.

Come up with the figure per student.

The government pays all of it at state schools.

If it’s a private school where the fees are below the figure, then the government should make up the gap - those kids deserve the same amount.

That gives parents options if they want to pursue an education with a slightly different approach from the state system, that they’re willing to pay for.

But if the fees for an elite school are at or above the figure, the ****ing government shouldn’t be putting in even more so that some kids’ born advantages are further boosted.

Optional fundraising (outside of compulsory fees) would be seperate to this. Elite schools obviously have highly financial parent and alumni networks anyway, so on the ground - where it matters - the reality is that they’re going to be miles ahead anyway. But everybody else isn’t paying for it.

As I said, any other approach is a form of flat taxation where everybody pays the same $ amount. Which is ridiculously unfair.

it also creates a pressure release valve for governments to actually fix the public system

because people opt out of it and fight for the private system to get tax payer funding intead of fighting for the government to fix the public system

and the people with money and influence largely are out of the public system and don't give a **** about it

Correct. Howard started this bullshit and it’s very difficult to unpick given the political class and influencers are all private school types.

 

[Gralin]

No, I’m saying all kids should receive equal funding.

If you’re able to pay for it yourself, you should.

If you can’t - or even if you don’t want to - that’s for you to decide - the state will pick up the tab at a state school.

But paying for it yourself AND expecting the government to give you funds as well to make it superior? Please.

Come up with the figure per student.

The government pays all of it at state schools.

If it’s a private school where the fees are below the figure, then the government should make up the gap - those kids deserve the same amount.

That gives parents options if they want to pursue an education with a slightly different approach from the state system, that they’re willing to pay for.

But if the fees for an elite school are at or above the figure, the ****ing government shouldn’t be putting in even more so that some kids’ born advantages are further boosted.

Optional fundraising (outside of compulsory fees) would be seperate to this. Elite schools obviously have highly financial parent and alumni networks anyway, so on the ground - where it matters - the reality is that they’re going to be miles ahead anyway. But everybody else isn’t paying for it.

As I said, any other approach is a form of flat taxation where everybody pays the same $ amount. Which is ridiculously unfair.




Correct. Howard started this bullshit and it’s very difficult to unpick given the political class and influencers are all private school types.

he did the same with public health and the public housing

 

[10571z]

No, I’m saying all kids should receive equal funding.

If you’re able to pay for it yourself, you should.

If you can’t - or even if you don’t want to - that’s for you to decide - the state will pick up the tab at a state school.

But paying for it yourself AND expecting the government to give you funds as well to make it superior? Please.

Come up with the figure per student.

The government pays all of it at state schools.

If it’s a private school where the fees are below the figure, then the government should make up the gap - those kids deserve the same amount.

That gives parents options if they want to pursue an education with a slightly different approach from the state system, that they’re willing to pay for.

But if the fees for an elite school are at or above the figure, the ****ing government shouldn’t be putting in even more so that some kids’ born advantages are further boosted.

Optional fundraising (outside of compulsory fees) would be seperate to this. Elite schools obviously have highly financial parent and alumni networks anyway, so on the ground - where it matters - the reality is that they’re going to be miles ahead anyway. But everybody else isn’t paying for it.

As I said, any other approach is a form of flat taxation where everybody pays the same $ amount. Which is ridiculously unfair.




Correct. Howard started this bullshit and it’s very difficult to unpick given the political class and influencers are all private school types.

Sounds like jealousy more than anything.

Public schools are receiving more money due to parents subsidising the government for their child’s education and using private schools.

If every private school closed tomorrow and every private school child went into the public system EVERY ONE IS WORSE OFF.

Getting the best education for as many as possible is the best outcome.

If it costs the goverment $2000 a child to go to Scotch and $10,000 a child for Broadmeadows High then I see no issue whatsoever.

 

[Bunk Moreland]

Sounds like jealousy more than anything.

Public schools are receiving more money due to parents subsidising the government for their child’s education and using private schools.

If every private school closed tomorrow and every private school child went into the public system EVERY ONE IS WORSE OFF.

Getting the best education for as many as possible is the best outcome.

If it costs the goverment $2000 a child to go to Scotch and $10,000 a child for Broadmeadows High then I see no issue whatsoever.

Stupid comment. That’s obviously not going to happen.

Private schools will continue to operate just fine. Far better than fine, actually.

But the rest of us don’t need to contribute to ridiculous excess. Funds over and above what it costs to educate a child, which the parents are already paying for.

I’m not jealous. Plenty of people have more money than me (and plenty have less). If they want to spend it on their kids education then good luck to them. But don’t expect the rest of us to pay to help people who already have the means to help themselves.

I’m happy for taxes to pay for state schools to the required level, and I’m happy to make up the gap at private schools where the parents fees don’t reach the required level.

Those kids whose parents are funding them at or above that level already? They’ll be fine without my money.

 

[nut]

it also creates a pressure release valve for governments to actually fix the public system

because people opt out of it and fight for the private system to get tax payer funding intead of fighting for the government to fix the public system

and the people with money and influence largely are out of the public system and don't give a **** about it

This

 

[Reg Grundy35]

I don’t agree.

Private schools are performing a required government service, doing it at a far cheaper rate to the tax payer and getting better results.

Parents are all paying their share of tax and putting money into states overall education.

Sounds like a win win to me.

If private schools received no money from the government many would increase fees and be out of reach. That’s not a good result.

Also when you say “But don’t expect to choose to pay for some expensive school only to have the state put in even more to top it up and push your kids further ahead of those down the street.”

So the private school child not to doing as well would be seen as a positive?

with all due respect this is complete crap. Private school fees go up every year and this year by more than usual. But the enrolments keep rising. The suggestion that Govt funding keeps fees down is bullshit. There is no evidence. Lets not pretend that high fees are not one of the keys filters in private schools managing their enrolment. The fees keep rising, the govt pipeline keeps pumping and the sports and arts centres keep out doing each other and the kids who stuff up the atar keep getting sent to the govt schools. What a farking world we live in. Despite the montonous threats that reduced funding to private schools will see the public system flooded we can be sure that the majority of the parents who extol private schools would sell their organs before they’d allow their kids to be seen in a state school uniform. Private school communities and seemingly both sides of govt hold public education in contempt. This amazing system that is only lauded by the private sector is a national disgrace, an international laughing stock and effectively govt funded education apartheid. If youre gonna disagree do me the courtesy of not telling me that private education is doing the country and disadvantaged kids a service. I might spew.

 

[10571z]

with all due respect this is complete crap. Private school fees go up every year and this year by more than usual. But the enrolments keep rising. The suggestion that Govt funding keeps fees down is bullshit. There is no evidence. Lets not pretend that high fees are not one of the keys filters in private schools managing their enrolment. The fees keep rising, the govt pipeline keeps pumping and the sports and arts centres keep out doing each other and the kids who stuff up the atar keep getting sent to the govt schools. What a farking world we live in. Despite the montonous threats that reduced funding to private schools will see the public system flooded we can be sure that the majority of the parents who extol private schools would sell their organs before they’d allow their kids to be seen in a state school uniform. Private school communities and seemingly both sides of govt hold public education in contempt. This amazing system that is only lauded by the private sector is a national disgrace, an international laughing stock and effectively govt funded education apartheid. If youre gonna disagree do me the courtesy of not telling me that private education is doing the country and disadvantaged kids a service. I might spew.

They are 100% doing the country a service. Educating kids and getting results while costing the tax payer far less.

I won’t be losing any sleep over the current arrangement.

 

[Reg Grundy35]

Sounds like jealousy more than anything.

Don’t start that shit. I went to a private school and worked 40 years in the govt sector. My own kids went to govt schools and they are all fantastic people who do work that actually helps our society instead of accumulating wealth and feathering the nest for your offspring no matter how useless they may be. Most of the people I met in govt schools manage to live without an inate need to feel superior to other groups of people. I cant say the same for the ones i shared my private education with. Why would i be jealous of people with warped values about their fellow humans? Id rather die without thinking I was a bit of a campaigner.

 

[Reg Grundy35]

They are 100% doing the country a service. Educating kids and getting results while costing the tax payer far less.

I won’t be losing any sleep over the current arrangement.

that doesnt shock me one iota. I imagine theres a few things you wouldn’t lose sleep over besides that.

 

[10571z]

Don’t start that shit. I went to a private school and worked 40 years in the govt sector. My own kids went to govt schools and they are all fantastic people who do work that actually helps our society instead of accumulating wealth and feathering the nest for your offspring no matter how useless they may be. Most of the people I met in govt schools manage to live without an inate need to feel superior to other groups of people. I cant say the same for the ones i shared my private education with. Why would i be jealous of people with warped values about their fellow humans? Id rather die without thinking I was a bit of a campaigner.

ah yes that’s all people who send their kids to private school do

 

[Reg Grundy35]

ah yes that’s all people who send their kids to private school do

oh no- they do much more horrible shit than just that