Radford College has granted parents more time to withdraw their children without penalty, extending the deadline to December 16, 2025, as a bitter dispute over significant fee increases and financial errors continues to rage.
Fee Hike Sparks Parental Outrage
The Canberra private school is facing a severe backlash from its community after announcing fee rises of up to 23 per cent between 2025 and 2026. The decision has been compounded by revelations of financial mistakes made by the school in 2024, leaving many families feeling betrayed and hurt.
In an email to parents, Radford board chair Vicki Williams confirmed the extended withdrawal date, stating, "We do not wish to lose any family at this difficult time." However, for many parents, the sentiment rings hollow. One parent expressed the feeling of being treated as nothing more than a source of income, telling The Canberra Times, "It is like 'our kids are dollar signs'." Another described the process as a "forced removal."
No-Confidence Vote and Parent-Led Proposal
The discontent culminated in a dramatic parent meeting on November 24. After the board left the gathering, 370 parents present voted that they did not have confidence in the school's board. This vote quickly transformed into a petition, which gathered 900 signatures in just two days.
Parents presented the petition alongside a list of demands, calling for greater community consultation and oversight of the school's governance. They are advocating for a multi-year financial strategy to address concerns, rather than a rushed push to achieve a surplus in a single year.
In response to the crisis, parents proposed an alternative financial model: increasing tuition fees and the capital levy by 10 per cent, which would allow the school to reach a positive cash flow without aiming for a large surplus. Chair Vicki Williams acknowledged this option was modelled but rejected it, arguing it would commit the college to ongoing deficits and extended debt.
New Fee Structure and Promises of Accountability
In November, Radford College announced a revised fee structure, separating part of the increase into a non-indexed capital levy. While this does not reduce the total cost for parents in 2026, the school claims the levy will decrease over time as debt is repaid.
The school has pledged to provide regular financial updates throughout 2026. Ms Williams has stated that the board has addressed parents' requests and is ready to be held accountable. "We stand ready to be held to account for these undertakings in 2026," she said, expressing hope for a "peaceful and restful" festive season and a "united community in 2026."
Despite the assurances, some parents are voting with their feet. Notably, some have stated that while they can afford the increased fees, they are leaving on principle and plan to enrol their children in other, even more expensive schools.
