Queensland Schools: Parents Forking Out Fortune To Pay For Kids’ Education

QUEENSLAND parents are forking out hundreds of thousands of dollars to put their kids through school and new data reveals even a “free” government education costs $58,000 per child.

Brisbane parents pay more for religious schools than anywhere in Australia and private schools in regional Queensland are also among the most expensive in the country.

Analysis from education finance planners ASG shows Brisbane private schools are some of the cheapest in the country but shockingly parents are still handing over $368,573 for the education of just one child over the course of their schooling.

ASG Chief Operating Officer Bruce Hawkins said the cost of education has risen at more than double the inflation rate over the past 10 years.

“The cost of education has soared by 61 per cent compared to the average growth rate in wages of 34 per cent,” Mr Hawkins said.

“This means that education costs are demanding a far greater share of the family wallet than in the past, placing more burden on the average family, already challenged by the rising cost of living.”

Metropolitan Queensland parents are forking out $58,352 per child for education at a public school and regional Queenslanders are paying $50,757 on average.

Faith-based education in metropolitan areas costs $251,855 on average and $198,012 in regional areas.

Queensland parents with children at private schools are forking out enormous fees with the parents in both metropolitan and regional areas paying about $368,000 for one child’s education — though still around $100,000 less than the national average.

Mr Hawkins said the costs included the standard school fees but were amplified by the addition of other charges for extra-curricular activities, school sport fees, uniform costs, camps and excursions, book levies and subject levies.

He said the data debunked the “myth” that a public school education was free.

“I think some people would be shocked to know how much a public school education costs,” Mr Hawkins said.

“With the introduction of more technology we’re also seeing the use of iPads and tablets become more common and therefore parents are usually either paying a technology subsidy to the school or buying those items like iPads or laptops.”

P&Cs Queensland Kevan Goodworth said many parents would struggle to pay the high cost of education.

“It’s perhaps not so difficult for the middle class but in working class areas it is a big expense,” he said.

“Unfortunately it doesn’t get any better when they go off to university.”

Mr Goodworth said despite the cost, it was important children had “every chance” to receive a good education.

“Schools do a great deal to allay the expenses to parents,” he said.

 

Queensland Education Minister Grace Grace said the government was working to keep costs down and that principals would always work with families to ensure children weren’t “disadvantaged by financial hardship”.

“For instance, to help Queensland families with the cost of education, the government provides a Textbook and Resource Allowance (TRA) to parents of all full and part-time students,” she said.

“Our goal is to provide the best possible learning environment so that all children in the state school system have the opportunity to reach their potential.”

2018 FEES FOR TOP BRISBANE PRIVATE SCHOOLS (INCLUDES LEVIES)

Brisbane Grammar School: $27,085

Brisbane Boys College: $24,478

Brisbane Girls Grammar School: $24,124

Churchie $23,868

The Southport School $22,695

St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School: $22,536

Somerville House: $22,020 (extras guide plus another $2200 for books/camps/uniforms)

St Aidan’s Anglican Girls School: $21,880

Clayfield College: $19,859.70

St Hilda’s School: $19, 451

Stuartholme: $18,084

Somerset College: $17,204

St Joseph’s Nudgee College: $16,615

St Joseph’s College Gregory Terrace: $15,731

Moreton Bay College $15,605

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