Small costs accumulating throughout the academic year have positioned Catholic and private schools in Brisbane as the most expensive in Australia, according to a recent report. The analysis, commissioned by the Futurity Investment Group, highlights that families in Brisbane will spend over $270,000 to educate a child from prep to year 12 starting this year.
The report, conducted by Resolve Strategic, analyzed expenses related to tuition, essential school supplies, and optional expenses such as coaching and extracurricular activities. Data was gathered from 2,500 families and school income reports from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority.
Comparative Costs Across Cities
Brisbane’s Catholic schools have surpassed those in other major cities, becoming the priciest over a student’s 13-year education journey. The report indicates that families starting Catholic schooling in 2026 could face an annual cost of $9,860. Optional expenses, including external coaching and tutoring, account for approximately 44% of this total.
Despite these high costs, Brisbane’s top Catholic school fees remain significantly lower than those in other eastern mainland capitals. For instance, the most expensive Catholic school in Brisbane, Stuartholme, will cost at least $10,000 less for a year 12 student compared to the priciest schools in Sydney and Melbourne.
Voices from the Community
Dom Woodall, a parent with five children in different Catholic-sector schools in Brisbane, shared her experiences with the costs. She chose St Laurence’s College for her eldest child, Zaeyan, due to its proximity to his gymnastics lessons at Brisbane Grammar School. “He trained 26 hours a week, [and] he would take the bus,” Woodall explained.
Her other children attend various schools, including Our Lady’s College and Stuartholme School. Woodall noted that while Stuartholme charges for sports and extracurricular activities, these fees are relatively low and affordable. At other schools, sports are included in the fees unless there is a competition.
Expert Opinions and Educational Funding
Allan Blagaich, CEO of Catholic Education Queensland Limited, emphasized the variability in schooling costs across Brisbane. “Across Catholic schools, there is a strong focus on keeping fees as low as possible,” he stated, highlighting the role of parent contributions in bridging the funding gap left by government support.
The report also estimated that 13 years of independent schooling in Brisbane could cost up to $423,378. In contrast, parents at state schools might spend up to $120,486 on their child’s education, with only 8% attributed to compulsory school fees and voluntary add-ons like the student resource scheme.
Looking Ahead
This development comes as families and educational institutions navigate the complexities of funding quality education in a rapidly changing economic landscape. The findings of the report may prompt discussions among policymakers, educators, and parents about the sustainability of current education funding models and the potential need for reforms.
As Brisbane’s educational costs continue to rise, stakeholders will need to consider innovative solutions to ensure access to quality education remains equitable and affordable for all families.
