Contrary to popular belief, governments spend less per student in independent schools than they would if those students attended public schools. Therefore, presenting this as a cost to taxpayers is simply incorrect.
Misleading Fee Numbers
The fee figures cited by Mr. Hull are misleading. The reality is that the median independent school fee is $5,836 per year, not the inflated numbers often quoted.
Who Attends Independent Schools?
The claim that independent schools are mainly for the well-off ignores the reality. Approximately 60 per cent of families with children in independent schools are low to middle income. Many of these families make real financial sacrifices to support an investment in their children's future.
This data challenges the narrative that independent schools are exclusive to the wealthy. Instead, it shows that many families choose independent education despite financial constraints, valuing the educational outcomes it provides.
