Independent Schools Australia

10/03/2026

In the media today, Margery Evans offers a clear perspective on school choice, highlighting why rising Independent school enrolments are often misunderstood — with growth driven by affordable, values‑aligned choices for families, particularly in outer suburbs and regional areas.

In an opinion piece for The Daily Telegraph today, Margery Evans argues that rising Independent school enrolments are being widely misunderstood.

Growth is driven by low-fee Independent schools in Sydney's outer suburbs and nearby regions. Families now have more affordable schooling choices which align with their values.

She also reiterates Independent Schools NSW's support for a fully-funded government school sector.

https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/opinion/lowfee-independent-schools-fuel-enrolment-boom-as-nsw-parents-seek-choice/news-story/529a2e42a61bff8bf7ed565cae593d13

22/02/2026

AI IN SCHOOLS RISKS WIDENING DIVIDES AND MISSING OPPORTUNITIES WITHOUT NATIONAL ACTION
ISA has today released a new Independent Insights paper examining how schools across Australia are integrating generative AI into teaching and learning, the benefits already emerging, and the risks if adoption continues without a shared framework.
ISA is calling for the Australian Government to launch a national, sector-blind pilot program on AI in schools, warning that while Australia has strong foundations, the absence of coordinated national direction risks widening divides and squandering a major opportunity to improve student learning.
Independent Insights is a series of expert-led reports from ISA aimed at addressing big challenges across the entire education system.
You can read the full report at:https://isa.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Independent-Insights-Feb-2026_DIGITAL_FINAL.pdf

09/02/2026

We’re backing safer, more positive online experiences for all students, families and school communities.

🥳 Happy Safer Internet Day!

Today is your opportunity to talk about what's really happening online and think about what we can each do to make it better. Because when we each do something small – whether that's starting a conversation, sharing a tip or changing a habit – we make a big difference to everyone's online experience.

Today and every day.

💡 For more tips on how you can help make the internet a safer, more positive place for all, visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/newsroom/whats-on/sid/5-tips

27/01/2026

With students across the country starting to return to classrooms, this period marks the beginning of another important year for Australian education.

Independent, Catholic and government schools each play a vital role in educating Australia’s young people, with Independent schools continuing to reflect the diversity of families, communities and educational approaches across the country.

As the school year begins, protecting school choice and ensuring fair, needs‑based funding for every sector remain critical priorities.

Families make careful decisions about their children’s education, and a strong, balanced school system depends on policies that respect those choices and support schools to meet the needs of their communities.

By valuing diversity across the school landscape and investing fairly in all students, we can help build a brighter future for Australia.

19/12/2025

As Australians gather with loved ones this holiday season, our thoughts, hearts, and prayers will continue to be with those affected by the terror attack in Bondi.

We stand in unity and solidarity with Australia’s Jewish community at this deeply distressing time. We acknowledge the pain caused by hatred and violence, and we remain committed to ensuring and supporting inclusive, safe, and respectful school communities for all.

This year the holidays offer an opportunity to pause and reflect on the terrible events of Sunday 14 December, and what this means to us personally and as a community. It is also an opportunity to reaffirm the values that unite us — compassion, respect, and care for one another.

May this time offer moments of connection, unity and hope, and may the year ahead bring healing and renewed commitment to understanding and peace.

To our community and to all our valued stakeholders, best wishes and we look forward to reconnecting and working together in the new year.

15/12/2025

Our thoughts, hearts and prayers are with the Jewish community today following such a horrific attack during the celebration of Hanukkah. Our sincere condolences to all those directly affected, and to the Jewish community in this time of grief.

Media Release - Bondi incident

Independent Schools NSW condemns the horrific attack at Bondi Beach and extends our deepest condolences to the Jewish community and all those affected.

Read our full statement here:https://www.isnsw.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/Media-release-Bondi-attack.pdf

11/12/2025

New name. Same mission.

AISNSW is now Independent Schools NSW! 🎉

For almost 60 years, we’ve championed educational excellence and choice for families across NSW. Today, our new name reflects who we are and the vibrant schools we serve.

Explore our new look and website: https://www.isnsw.edu.au/

Supporting educators. Strengthening schools. Shaping futures.

28/11/2025

ISA and AISACT appeared today before the Senate Inquiry into the Thriving Kids Initiative to share the realities for students with disability - especially neurodiverse learners with autism and ADHD - their families and educators, and the growing challenges for schools as service gaps widen.

ISA CEO Graham Catt stressed that Thriving Kids is a real opportunity to support children and families, but no child should be worse off from a transition from the NDIS. Any extra responsibilities for schools must come with proportional resourcing, transitional support and realistic timeframes.

ISA told the committee that families face long waits for allied health services, particularly in regional and remote areas, and that diagnostic tools must reflect the cultural and linguistic contexts of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and other Culturally and Linguistically Diverse students.

19/10/2025

Parents are voting with their feet and choosing Independent schools.
In 2023–24, Independent schools recorded its strongest growth in more than a decade:

• Enrolments up 3.9% – more than triple national growth
• 745,000 students now enrolled, 18% of all students in Australia
• Growth strongest in low-fee schools, outer suburbs, and regional areas
• The sector educates 175,000 students with disability, 20,907 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and 145,937 in regional and remote Australia

Read the report: https://schoolchoicecounts.isa.edu.au/research/independent-schooling-2025-enrolment-trends-characteristics-and-projections

Association of Independent Schools of the Northern Territory Association of Independent Schools of NSW Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia - AISWA Independent Schools Queensland Independent Schools Victoria Independent Schools Tasmania

16/10/2025

22/09/2025

Another top 100 tabloid “education” article.

It tells us that the “poshest parents” in Australia actually send their children to public schools! That’s right 80% of parents who send their children to the “top” 100 public schools come from the highest socio-economic population quartile. They are more highly educated and have higher status jobs than those sending their children to many non-government schools.

It’s a reminder that we should have a conversation about equity, access, and opportunity. And it needs to be much deeper than the “public vs private” so many commentators perpetuate.

Many of these schools are in Australia’s most expensive catchment areas, where multimillion-dollar house prices determine who can attend – and who cannot. For the many families who can’t afford to buy their way in, having real choice through Independent schools is critical to their children's access to education and opportunities that align with their values and academic needs.

Let’s move past the tabloid rankings and lists that oversimplify a complex landscape, and keep the focus where it belongs - on supporting and improving quality outcomes for all students, in all schools, in all sectors.

https://www.heraldsun.com.au/education/schools-hub/secondary/top-100-public-high-schools-australias-poshest-state-school-parents-ranked-see-whos-above-their-private-school-counterparts/news-story/260ccf8d3d5f0a54b6bc0072851c5a27

16/09/2025

Today, ISA staff joined Tracey Taylor, CEO of The Association of Independent Schools of the ACT (AISACT), for a visit to the Islamic School of Canberra.

Islamic schools are experiencing some of the strongest growth in the Independent sector, with annual enrolments increasing by 6.8%—a reflection of the rising demand for culturally responsive education and strong community values. The Islamic School of Canberra is a vibrant example of this growth and commitment, with their current growth projections even higher.

The visit provided valuable insights into the school’s approach to education and helped deepen our understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by Islamic schools, and schools in the Independent sector more broadly.

A warm thank you to the Islamic School of Canberra and Principal Dr Mahmoud Eid for the generous welcome and for taking the time to show us around their impressive school campus.