The demand for independent schools has dramatically increased in the past 10 years. Earlier this year, the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) released data showing record growth for independent schools across Australia. Independent schools recorded the highest growth rate (3.3 per cent), followed by Catholic schools (1.0 per cent) whilst enrolments in government schools fell for a second successive year, down 16,929 (-0.6 per cent).[1]
This has fallen in line, overall, with a 25 per cent increase in enrolments for private schools in the past 10 years, as reported in the Financial Review.[2]
The increase has been attributed to a rise in middle-income geared schools and the follow-on effects of the COVID pandemic. Michelle Green the Chief Executive of from Independent Schools Victoria stated that “Given the disruption of the past two years, and the economic uncertainty caused by COVID, the figures confirm that a growing number of parents are confident that independent schools can meet the needs of their children.”[3]
So, what does this mean for the international student sector?
There are 3 major implications for international students seeking to study at independent schools. Some independent schools have fewer places for international students, whilst those that remain focussed on international students are seeing higher demand. It also means that government schools are seeing an increased share of international student enrolments to meet external demands.
Some independent schools are choosing to enrol fewer international students. One registrar from Victoria (who has chosen to remain anonymous), said that after seeing a substantial increase in domestic applications, their school executive decided to reduce their target student numbers for international.
The increased demand domestically for schools in Australia has not meant that schools do not continue to be diverse. Schools remain internationally focussed with increased diversity in domestic population but without the uncertainty of an international student market post-Covid. Nigel Halsey, the Director of Engagement at St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar, shared that in “2017, the school had a LOTE of 36%, and in 2022 it’s 60%.” As such, his school has focussed on domestic students, but he also continued on to say they “are preparing to be more active in 2024 in select international markets.”
The numbers support this trend. Pre-pandemic, independent schools were accounting for 38% of international enrolments in the schools sector. Now, post-pandemic that number has decreased to 33% (YTD).[4]
Eddie Enriquez, the Director of Enrolments from Hillcrest Christian College on the Gold Coast, said their school,’ like many others in Qld, were never traditionally a waitlist-school for domestic entry.’ This increased demand domestically has resulted in fewer spaces for international students, and his school is “asking for higher IELTS or IDAT scores” from their international applicants.
Furthermore, schools that have chosen to maintain a constant focus on international students have seen an increase in demand for the spots they have. Macarthur Anglican School in Cobbitty NSW, where a global perspective is a valuable component of their school enrolment, have sought to maintain international student numbers, despite growing domestic applications. As such, “higher international demand has Macarthur looking for increased diversity, aptitudes, and talents from successful international student applicants.” said Trish Cartwright, Head of Admissions, Macarthur Anglican School.
Overseas students unable to find available spaces in independent schools have created a flow-on benefit to international enrolments in government schools. Post-pandemic commencement PRISMS data shows that the market share for enrolment to government schools for international students has risen 2% when compared to pre-pandemic levels.
With the independent school demand for Australians expected to continue to grow over the coming decade, it is an exciting time to be working in the school admissions.
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics, 15/02/2023. https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/independent-schools-lead-rise-enrolments-2022
[2] Hare, J, 15/02/2023 https://www.afr.com/policy/health-and-education/private-school-enrolments-surge-25pc-in-a-decade-20230215-p5ckql
[3] The Educator, 24/02/2022, https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/australian-schools-see-biggest-shift-in-student-enrolments-in-a-decade/279648
[4] Australian Government Department of Education PRISMS Data (YTD) https://www.education.gov.au/international-education-data-and-research
