This month, multiple news outlets have reported families’ concerns about rising private school costs during the cost-of-living crisis.

It’s likely this trend will increase, as private school tuition fees rise faster than inflation.

Why are families putting themselves under this pressure? What does it suggest about the broader Australian school system?

Parents are struggling

In Australia, on average, private school fees (including additional costs) sit at around $8,973 for each year of schooling per student. Costs can total over $100,000 over the course of an K-12 private school education.

However, fee averages can differ across Australia.

In 2024, the average tuition fee for a Year 12 student in an independent school (also known as private schools) in NSW was A$15,674. In Victoria it was $20,923.

Private school peak body Independent Schools Australia surveyed 1,508 parents who have kids in independent schools.

Of those surveyed, 75% had adjusted their household budget in the last year to remain in their selected schools. More than half reported struggling to pay school fees, and 28% said they had also cut back on essentials, such as medicine, groceries and transport, to help pay fees.

The survey also reported “one in five receive financial support from other family members”.

Despite the fees, we know families are increasingly choosing independent schools over public schools.

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