Independent school sector key to Victoria’s Education State

More than one in six Victorian students (16.8 per cent) are now educated in an Independent school, reflecting the sector’s growing importance within Victoria’s Education State.

The figures show Independent schools are growing faster than both the government and Catholic sectors – with government schools growing by 0.5 per cent and Catholic schools by 1.1 per cent. The ABS data underscores the growing number of families actively choosing an education that aligns with their values and aspirations for their children.

Chief Executive of Independent Schools Victoria, Ms Rachel Holthouse, said the data reinforces the sector’s crucial contribution to the state’s education ecosystem.

‘Independent schools are not one-size-fits-all. They are faith-based schools, community-founded schools, specialist schools and regional schools. They support students with disability, students requiring tailored learning environments, and families seeking an education aligned with their religion and values,’ Ms Holthouse said.

Some of the strongest enrolment increases are in Melbourne’s outer metropolitan corridors, where families are seeking accessible schooling options close to home. Independent schools in these areas are reducing pressure on the government system and ensuring educational provision keeps pace with population growth.

Growth is strongest in areas experiencing rapid population expansion, including:

• City of Wyndham (+1,175 students)
• Shire of Melton (+558)
• City of Casey (+534)
• City of Whittlesea (+463)
• City of Hume (+409)

 Equally significant is the growth in Independent schools dedicated to students with special assistance and specialist learning needs. In just five years, the number of these schools has grown by more than 150 per cent to 32, now supporting almost 5,000 students across Victoria. Since 2020, enrolments in this part of the sector have grown by around 20 per cent each year, including the opening of 12 new specialist schools.

This growth reflects rising demand for tailored learning environments for students whose needs are not always met in mainstream settings. Over the past five years, a total of 24 new Independent schools have opened across Victoria in direct response to community demand.

‘For many families, Independent schools are the only setting that reflects their faith, culture or educational philosophy,’ Ms Holthouse said.

Together, government, Catholic and Independent schools educate 1,062,622 Victorian students. Independent schools relieve pressure on the public system, create local employment, invest in infrastructure, and contribute significantly to community life.

Policy settings that enable Independent schools to remain accessible and sustainable are essential – not only for families who choose them, but for the strength and diversity of Victoria’s entire education system.