Education’s Price Tag Soars: Are Private Schools Becoming a Luxury Only the Wealthy Can Afford?
The cost of a prestigious education is skyrocketing, leaving many families in Melbourne grappling with a harsh reality. Private school fees are surging by thousands of dollars, far outpacing inflation and putting a strain on household budgets. But here's where it gets controversial: is this a necessary investment in a child's future, or a symptom of a system designed to exclude all but the most affluent?
An analysis of tuition fees for 2026 reveals a startling trend. Schools like Geelong Grammar, already the state's most expensive, are pushing Year 12 fees past $55,000, a 5.2% increase. Even St Kevin’s College, known for its relative affordability, is hiking fees by a staggering 16%, reaching $35,360 plus a $1,200 building levy.
While schools cite rising costs like teacher salaries and government taxes, education economist Adam Rorris paints a different picture. He argues that fee inflation is less about covering expenses and more about cultivating an aura of exclusivity. "It's about prestige through exclusion," he says, suggesting that these fee hikes are a deliberate strategy to maintain a certain social status.
Are private schools prioritizing luxury amenities over educational quality? Rorris points to examples of schools investing in extravagant facilities like underground swimming pools and elaborate sports fields, expenditures he deems unnecessary for a quality education.
The impact on families is undeniable. Bhavika Unnadkat of the Australian Parents Council highlights the distress this causes. Some parents are taking on extra jobs, making difficult choices about which child to keep in private school, or even facing redundancy in a tough job market. Unnadkat recounts stories of families forced to move younger children to the public system to afford private education for their older child.
This raises a crucial question: Is the government's continued funding of private schools justified when fees are becoming increasingly inaccessible? Independent Schools Australia reports that enrolments continue to rise despite fee increases, reaching 18% nationally in 2024. This suggests a growing demand for private education, but at what cost to social equity?
St Kevin’s College defends its fee increase, attributing it to maintaining academic excellence and long-term financial stability. They argue that the rise equates to less than $500 per term after considering other factors. However, for many families, even this amount can be a significant burden.
The debate surrounding private school fees is complex and emotionally charged. While these institutions offer undeniable advantages, the escalating costs raise concerns about accessibility and fairness. Is the pursuit of prestige overshadowing the core purpose of education? The conversation needs to continue, and we invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.
