Private schools across Victoria are hiking fees by thousands of dollars, leaving parents struggling to keep up with the rising costs. While some schools are increasing fees by more than twice the inflation rate, others are charging more than $50,000 for Year 12 tuition. The largest increase reported so far is at St Kevin's College, where fees will rise by 16%, from $30,360 to $35,360, with an additional $1200 building levy. But parents at the sought-after Catholic school were told they would still be paying considerably less than families at other members of the Associated Public Schools group. The increase in fees is due to a pay rise of at least 7% for Catholic schools teachers, the need to ensure long-term financial stability, and the school's academic success, which reflects the resources devoted to senior students. However, some parents are being made redundant in a tough job market, and others are taking extra jobs or choosing which child to keep in private education. Education economist Adam Rorris suggests that fee inflation at private schools is more about prestige than cost pressures, and questions the value in governments continuing to support private schools with funding. Independent Schools Australia's recent report showed enrollments had continued to rise every year for the past eight years despite fee increases, climbing to 18% of enrollments across Australia in 2024.
