With the federal election looming, Catholic Education will be representing the interests of our 1,755 Catholic schools across Australia, which enrol 820,000 or one in five students. One of the key issues for our schools is to ensure that a future government provides school funding and support to all students based on need, regardless of whether they attend a Catholic, government or other non-government school.
Despite misconceptions presented by some groups, Catholic schools educate a significant and increasing number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds. In fact, over 42 per cent of students in Catholic schools fall into the bottom two quartiles of socio-educational advantage. This is why ensuring equitable support for all students, regardless of their school sector, is essential.
With approximately two-thirds of Australian students enrolled in government schools, it is no surprise that these schools will have the highest number of students experiencing disadvantage. However, Catholic and other non-government schools also educate a substantial and growing proportion of students from disadvantaged backgrounds and play a critical role in ensuring educational equity.
Unlike government schools, Catholic school families are expected to contribute at least 10 per cent of the Schooling Resource Standard (SRS). In fact, Catholic school families on average contribute over 26 per cent of recurrent funding through school fees. For families with lower incomes and those experiencing financial hardship, these contributions can be out of reach. However, Catholic schools remain committed – as we have from our earliest days over 200 years ago – to providing high-quality education to all children, regardless of background. This is why Catholic schools offer significant financial assistance and other affordability measures to families in need.
It is important to know that about 40 per cent of Catholic schools are located in rural, regional, and remote areas, and in some communities are the only schooling option for families. These schools play a vital role in their communities, working alongside government efforts to support student learning and wellbeing.
Catholic Education has been involved in a cross-sectoral reference group as part of the UTS + Ramsay Foundation fellowship project led by Dr Michele Bruniges AM. This important research highlights that disadvantage has increased across all school sectors in recent years, while also showing that targeted support can make a real difference. We look forward to receiving further insights and recommendations on how to continue to support students in need.
It is essential that future governments consider all school sectors when shaping education policy. Every child, no matter where they live or what school they attend, deserves the opportunity to succeed.
Jacinta Collins
Executive Director
National Catholic Education Commission