It costs half a million dollars to put a child through prep to year 12 at Victoria’s most expensive schools – and that’s not including uniforms and books.
The Scots College and SCEGGS Darlinghurst are among the schools charging the highest fees in 2024.
Critics say the fees are designed to stop parents “school shopping” by joining multiple waiting lists,but then withdrawing applications once a spot is secured at a preferred option or after being offered a selective school place.
Demand for scholarship spots at Sydney’s private schools is rising,with at least 20 institutions offering places in year 4 and 5 in a bid to lock in high achievers before they reach high school.
Sydney is the most costly city in Australia for private education,with extras like laptops,musical instruments and uniforms adding up to more than $5000.
There has been an increase in welfare applications from low-income families struggling to afford school supplies.
Thirty thousand dollars can pay for an undergraduate degree at university,take you on a luxury family trip around the world – or a year’s tuition for a child.
Perth’s private school fees have risen to record levels,with some increasing costs by up to 10 per cent – but they’re still a bargain next to those in the east.
Independent schools across the city are raising fees for 2023,with Kambala and SCEGGS Darlinghurst set to charge parents more than $45,000 for year 12.
School budgets are under pressure because of a recent workplace agreement that made camps and productions more expensive and the government’s directive that parent payments must be voluntary.
ANZ says the buildings “arms race” between expensive schools is over as Victoria’s priciest schools hike annual fees by 4.3 per cent.