Australian school funding shows disparity between private and public sectors

Data reveals significant disparities in Australian school funding, with wealthy private schools in Victoria receiving substantial amounts above the nationally agreed School Resource Standard (SRS). In 2025, 58 non-government Victorian schools and education authorities received a combined $95,154,592 above their entitled funding. For example, Melbourne Grammar School, which has a median family income of $375,000, received $1.18 million more than the SRS last year.

Simultaneously, budget pressures are impacting less-advantaged schools. In the Australian Capital Territory, analysis shows that schools with lower socio-educational advantage indices face significant cuts. Kingsford Smith School faces a projected budget reduction of nearly $3.5 million, while Caroline Chisholm School must save approximately $1.5 million. In contrast, some of the wealthiest schools, such as Garran Primary and Hughes Primary, are projected to receive budget increases ranging from 4.2% to 7.8%.