Catholic schools in NSW are experiencing consistent growth with enrolments at a 10-year high, as more parents entrust their children’s education to a non-government alternative.
A compelling choice
Catholic education has served the people of New South Wales for over 200 years, contributing to the intellectual and spiritual development of millions of children. It continues to play a critical role in delivering school education today, enrolling over one-fifth of the state’s students in 592 Catholic schools and employing more than 30,000 staff.
As the largest non-government educator, Catholic education’s vast impact highlights the importance of parental choice in schooling and how Catholic schools provide parents with an affordable, accessible, and continuously available alternative to government schools.
In the diverse landscape of education in New South Wales, Catholic schools stand out as a compelling choice for many families.
Why choose a Catholic school?
Catholic schools work to improve students’ education and faith outcomes by creating communities of faith and learning. Our schools seek to shape citizens who pursue truth, beauty, and goodness through education, delivering a values-based, disciplined environment that challenges and nurtures your child.
As a community of students, teachers and staff working for the good of every child, Catholic education recognises that parents are the first and primary educators of their children and complement the education parents impart to their children.
Our schools offer students a compass based on Christian truth, helping them see the world through the eyes of the Gospels and build a full life of virtue, community, and hope.
Catholic schools seek to make this education choice accessible to all, offering a low-fee faith-based education to every family throughout NSW and Australia.
Our schools support a diverse student population and excel in meeting the educational and social needs of every child, bringing out the best in every student, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The increasing demand for Catholic education
Catholic Schools in NSW have seen continued growth in student enrolments, sustained by our consistent offering of a high-quality education, founded on values and faith.
In the past five years, enrolments have steadily increased from 255,000 in 2019 to nearly 267,000 in 2023, a growth rate of 1.6 per cent in the last year alone. With enrolments at a 10-year high, more and more parents are entrusting their children to the number one non-government alternative: Catholic education.
Supporting families and school choice
Indicative of parental contributions, NSW Catholic Schools are also supported by government funding, which helps Catholic schools to be an affordable school choice for families. This means parents are able to choose a school that best meets the educational and social needs of their child.
The benefits of Catholic schools go beyond their important role in educating students. An enduring compact with governments has emerged in which Catholic education is a partner in schooling, relieving the government of the need to provide resources for the entire student population. This arrangement saved NSW taxpayers over one billion dollars in 2024 alone while enriching the student experience for the state’s students.
The availability of government funding for Catholic schools means they are affordable for more families across the state. Without this support, many families would not be able to choose a Catholic education.
For more information, visit Catholic Schools NSW.
