About Private and Catholic Schools in Australia
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics in 2024 there were approximately 2,900 non government schools in Australia, including Catholic and Independent.
In 2024, the percentage of students enrolled in non-government schools was lowest in very remote areas (11.6%) compared to remote areas (23.9%), outer regional areas (30.3%), inner regional areas (37.0%) and major cities (37.6%).
In 2024, the number of Full-Fee Paying Overseas Students (FFPOS) increased by 4,944 to 26,068, a rise of 23.4% from 2023. The highest percentage year-on-year growth between 2023 to 2024 was seen in:
- Tasmania: 39.9% (an increase of 93 students)
- Australian Capital Territory: 28.0% (an increase of 198 students)
- Victoria: 27.5% (an increase of 2,024 students)
FFPOS numbers are collected in the National Schools Statistics Collection (NSSC) but not published in the Schools data cubes.
Australia's Private and Catholic School Education System Characteristics
Students in virtually all Australian schools are expected to wear a school uniform. Each school has a unique identity including unique school uniform and school colours. Many non-government schools provide boarding facilities for students and most offer specialised subjects and programs particularly in fields such as sports and the arts.
Many non-government schools offer education for single gender only (that is either boys-only or girls-only). However, most schools offer education for both boys and girls.
Schooling generally begins with a Preparatory year (Prep. or Kindergarten) followed by 12 years of schooling. Each State and Territory in Australia has different age levels for the start and completion of primary and secondary schooling. Many schools offer only primary school education (school Years 1 through 6) or secondary education (school Years 7 through 12). The Northern Territory and Tasmania break up school ages into a third category - Senior School - for the final two or three years of schooling.
FAQs
What is CRICOS? - Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students. The Department of Education, Science and Training designates a CRICOS code number to all schools that are accredited to accept international students.
The schooling years
Queensland Private and Catholic Schools
Non-compulsory year - Prep
Primary school - Years 1 through 6
Secondary School - Years 7 through 12
Boarding is available in both Primary and Secondary levels at selected schools.
Victoria Private and Catholic Schools
Prep
Primary school - Years 1 through 6
Secondary School - Years 7 through 12
Boarding is available in both Primary and Secondary levels at selected school.
NSW Private and Catholic Schools
Kindergarten
Primary school - Years 1 through 6
Secondary School - Years 7 through 12
Boarding is available in both Primary and Secondary levels at selected schools
Children must turn 5 by July 31 to start Kindergarten in that year. All children must start primary school before their 6th birthday.
South Australia Private and Catholic Schools
Reception
Primary school - Years 1 through 6
Secondary School - Years 7 through 12
Children must turn 5 before they can begin Reception. All children must start primary school before their 6th birthday. Compulsory until age 16.
WA Private and Catholic Schools
Non-compulsory Kindergarten
Non-compulsory Pre-primary
Primary School - Years 1 through 6
Secondary School - Years 7 through 10
Senior School - Years 11 and 12
Children must turn 4 by 30 June to start Kindergarten in that year. Children must turn 5 by 30 June to start Pre-Primary.
Compulsory until age 17.
Northern Territory Private and Catholic Schools
Non-compulsory year - Pre-school
Non-compulsory year - Transition Year
Primary school - Years 1 through 6
Middle School - Years 7 through 9
Senior School - Years 10 through 12
Boarding is available in all levels at selected schools.
Tasmania Private and Catholic Schools
Non-compulsory Kindergarten
Compulsory Prep
Primary School - Years 1 through 6
Secondary School - Years 7 through 10
Senior School - Years 11 and 12
Children should be at least four years of age by January 1 to start Kindergarten in that year. A child who turns five by January 1 in any year must start school that year. Compulsory until age 16.