Choosing the right school is one of the most significant decisions a parent can make. Across Australia, more families are investing in private education to give their children the best possible start. Whether it's academic achievement, wellbeing, values alignment, or the overall school experience, private schools offer a compelling package that appeals to parents from all walks of life.

Despite rising living costs, enrolments in private schools are at record highs. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, over 1.5 million students attended non-government schools in 2024, with 18.8% enrolled in Catholic schools and 16.8% in independent schools. There are currently 1,759 Catholic schools and 1,436 independent schools in Australia — together making up nearly 35% of total student enrolments. This shift reflects changing family priorities and a willingness to make sacrifices to access education that supports the whole child.

To better understand what drives these decisions, Schools360 has surveyed dozens of Australian parents and analysed national data and sector research, including academic studies, NAB’s Education Insight Report, and Independent Schools Australia's School Choice Report.

Here are the top reasons families are making the move to private education in 2025:

1. Quality of Facilities

According to the NAB report, 41% of parents cited the quality of facilities as a top reason for choosing a private school. Private schools often offer modern, well-maintained campuses that feature advanced science laboratories, creative arts hubs, technology-rich classrooms, and premium sporting complexes. These environments are designed not only to impress, but to genuinely enhance the quality and breadth of learning experiences.

Parents we spoke with described how these environments aren't just visually appealing — they enable students to explore interests, build practical skills, and engage with learning in a hands-on, future-focused way. For families, this is about more than just appearances; it’s about giving their child the best foundation to thrive in a rapidly changing world. In contrast to many public schools, which are frequently underfunded and constrained by aging infrastructure, private schools have the resources to continually invest in ambitious campus development and upgrades.

2. Quality of Teaching

Nearly 39% of parents identified teacher quality as a primary factor in their school choice. Private schools tend to attract experienced, passionate educators who are supported through ongoing professional development and strong leadership. Notably, private schools often offer higher teacher salaries than government schools, which helps attract and retain top teaching talent — a factor parents say directly impacts the quality of their child’s education.

Parents we interviewed consistently shared that private school teachers go beyond curriculum delivery: they invest in really knowing each student, recognising their strengths, learning challenges, and personal interests. This deeper connection supports not just academic achievement, but also student confidence and long-term motivation. Families also appreciate the lower rates of staff turnover, which contributes to greater classroom stability and a more consistent, nurturing learning environment. The result is a stronger student-teacher relationship and a richer, more personalised educational experience.

3. Level of Discipline

Discipline and structure matter to families. With 38% of parents valuing strong behavioural standards, private schools are often seen as environments where respect, order, and focus are the norm. Parents told us they appreciate the clearly communicated expectations and (mostly) consistent follow-through on behaviour policies, which help create calm, safe spaces conducive to learning.

A well-disciplined learning environment also fosters mutual respect between staff and students and encourages accountability — qualities that many parents want their children to carry into adulthood.

4. Better Academic Results

Academic performance was a top priority for 36% of parents in the NAB study. Private school students consistently outperform their peers in national assessments such as NAPLAN and achieve higher ATAR scores. They also enjoy stronger rates of university progression and greater acceptance into top-tier institutions. Parents told us they feel these results are no accident — they’re the outcome of intentional strategies and a school culture that prioritises aspiration, excellence, and high expectations.

These outcomes are often supported by a more tailored approach to instruction, enriched curriculum offerings, and specialist teaching staff. Many private schools offer subject acceleration, tutoring support, and university preparatory programs to ensure no student is left behind. Parents described feeling confident that their child wouldn’t “slip through the cracks” — a concern they associated more frequently with overcrowded and under-resourced public systems. Schools360’s analysis further highlights that private schools invest in targeted academic supports, dedicated study spaces, and mentoring initiatives that foster both confidence and capability. The result is not just higher marks, but an academic experience that’s structured, encouraging, and aligned to each student’s goals and potential.

5. Smaller Class Sizes

Roughly 30% of surveyed parents highlighted smaller class sizes as a key reason for choosing private education. From our interviews, many parents described how smaller classes allowed their children to receive individualised support that simply wasn’t possible in more crowded public classrooms. Students benefit from increased teacher interaction, faster feedback loops, and more opportunities to ask questions and engage deeply with the material. Parents also noted that smaller class sizes improve classroom management and allow teachers to better tailor lessons to each student’s learning style and needs.

Schools360’s analysis confirms that private schools generally maintain a substantially lower student-to-teacher ratio than their public counterparts. This results in a more personalised learning environment where students are less likely to be overlooked and more likely to feel known and supported. These smaller learning communities help foster stronger student-teacher relationships, boost engagement, and build the confidence students need to thrive academically and socially.

6. Level of Individual Attention

Closely linked to class size, 29% of parents valued the level of individual attention their child receives. Parents we interviewed described how private schools were more likely to adapt learning to suit their child’s pace, interests, and learning style — whether that meant providing targeted academic support, inclusive enrichment activities, or tailored extension programs. Schools360’s analysis also highlights that many private schools are increasingly investing in intentional programs that support diverse learners, including students with additional needs or different learning profiles.

Parents appreciated the regular communication from teachers, collaborative goal-setting sessions, and detailed, personalised feedback that helped them feel closely involved in their child’s progress. These learning partnerships not only reinforce academic development but also empower parents to support their children at home more effectively. Ultimately, this level of attentiveness and flexibility fosters a more inclusive and supportive learning experience where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

7. Level of Resources

Private schools often have access to a broader and deeper pool of learning materials, co-curricular options, and enrichment programs. This was a significant motivator for 28% of families in the NAB study. Parents told us they were drawn to the breadth of experiences on offer — from coding labs and robotics suites to music studios, visual arts spaces, and outdoor adventure programs. These learning opportunities go beyond traditional academics, providing students with practical life skills, critical thinking abilities, and creative outlets.

Schools360’s analysis highlights that many private schools invest heavily in cutting-edge technology and innovation, creating immersive and future-ready learning environments. Parents valued how their children could explore emerging fields like STEM, digital media, and entrepreneurship from an early age. Combined with hands-on learning, these resources create more engaging, personalised, and relevant education — helping students connect classroom theory to real-world application and grow into confident, capable young adults.

8. Shared Religious or Value Systems

For 27% of families, alignment with the school’s religious or ethical values was a key driver in their decision to choose a private school. Schools with a clear values framework — particularly Catholic and other faith-based institutions — provide a deep sense of connection for families seeking a school environment that mirrors their own beliefs and cultural practices. From our parent interviews, many shared how important it was that their children grow up in a community that reinforces the morals and traditions they teach at home.

This alignment fosters consistency between school and home life, creating a supportive environment where children feel secure, understood, and valued. Parents frequently mentioned how these schools promote compassion, integrity, and service — not just as abstract ideals, but as lived values woven into daily school life. Schools360’s analysis shows that private schools often prioritise this sense of community, building strong relationships between families and educators, and supporting a shared purpose that benefits both learning and emotional wellbeing.

9. Safer Environment

A safe school culture is essential. 26% of parents in the NAB study said safety was a key driver of their decision. Parents shared that private schools offered a greater sense of emotional and physical safety — from well-maintained facilities to strong anti-bullying policies and visible pastoral care staff.

These schools are often seen as proactive rather than reactive, creating environments where students feel secure and confident to learn and participate.

10. Happiness or Wellbeing

While academic results are important, 22% of parents highlighted their child’s happiness, wellbeing, and personal development as key reasons for choosing private education. Parents appreciated the focus on social-emotional learning, leadership development, and practical life skills — areas often embedded into the daily life of the school. Recent studies by ACER and AARE confirm this trend, showing parents value schools that develop confidence, critical thinking, and resilience. Schools360’s research shows that more parents now see education as more than just academic instruction; it’s about raising well-rounded, future-ready young people.

Image credit: St Michael’s Grammar School

Private schools offer a flexible, values-aligned, and future-focused environment — and for many families, it’s a choice that goes far beyond the classroom.

Schools360’s analysis incorporates the most important drivers identified by parents — from academic results and student wellbeing to staff quality, culture, and co-curricular opportunities. By drawing on national data and lived experiences, we help families navigate school choice with clarity and confidence.

Why Parents Are Choosing a Private School in 2025