The Times Australia
The Times World News

.
The Times Real Estate

.

A new report proposes full public funding for private schools, but there's a catch

  • Written by Paul Kidson, Senior Lecturer in Educational Leadership, Australian Catholic University
A new report proposes full public funding for private schools, but there's a catch

There are multiple signs the Australian education system is in crisis. This includes declining academic outcomes[1], teacher shortages[2], principals facing abuse[3], and an upswing in school violence[4].

Hanging over these is the Productivity Commission’s January 2023 assessment[5] that what we’ve done with Australian education over the past decade has done “little, so far, to improve student outcomes”.

Education authors Tom Greenwell and Chris Bonnor agree. In an ambitious new report for education initiative Australian Learning Lecture[6], they offer a way forward.

They propose a framework[7] for Australian schools to increase parental choice (including for religious-based schools) and improve the inequity that afflicts the system.

What’s the problem?

Greenwell and Bonnor say too many disadvantaged students are being concentrated into communities of disadvantage. This results in

unacceptable gaps in learning [that] separate disadvantaged students from their more privileged peers.

Since the introduction of government funding to non-government schools in the 1960s, we have seen an increased concentration of advantaged students in some schools, and the same for disadvantaged students. The OECD has been warning Australia[8] about this for some time. But current policy settings offer little incentive for change.

As Greenwell and Bonnor argue, achieving our national educational goals is unlikely when:

we are stacking the odds against the children who have the least luck in terms of the circumstances they are born into.

Read more: The Productivity Commission says Australian schools 'fall short' on quality and equity. What happens now?[9]

There is also a conflict here with the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights[10], which affirms that education at least at primary level should be free and compulsory. Crucially, parents have “a prior right to choose the kind of education that shall be given to their children”.

Australian non-government schools do provide opportunity for parents to exercise this right, but even the lowest level of fees charged by some Catholic system schools can still be beyond the reach[11] of some parents.

As the authors note, this is not a problem for non-government schooling alone. Segregation within government schools exacerbates the situation. Selective schools[12] (government schools that select students on their academic or performing arts ability):

draw in a high proportion of advantaged students, compounding the concentrations of the strugglers in comprehensive public schools.

Read more: What is the National School Reform Agreement and what does it have to do with school funding?[13]

What’s their proposal?

Greenwell and Bonnor offer a five-point plan, the first three of which are relatively uncontentious.

First, they want to fully fund school entitlements under the so-called “Gonski model[14]”. This would ensure all schools get the funding resources they need to deliver quality learning. Some estimates[15] show government schools currently receive less than 90% of their entitlements.

Second, they call for a frank conversation on a new common framework for Australian education. This would include not only funding arrangements, but “commensurate obligations and responsibilities” on schools.

Third, convene a national summit at which “common interests are identified and areas of agreement are developed”. Greenwell and Bonnor are at pains to point out their suggestion is not to prescribe the total solution. Rather, they invite stakeholders to come together and design a system in which “equity and choice can be expanded in a win-win manner”.

Federal Education Minister Jason Clare at a press conference.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare has flagged he wants equity to be part of the next National School Reform Agreement. Darren England/AAP

A change to school funding

Greenwell and Bonnor’s fourth point is likely to be a catalyst for much debate: they propose full public funding for all non-government schools, within a commonly agreed regulatory framework.

Yes, this means non-government schools would be fully funded by the taxpayer. But they would not be able to charge their own fees.

The authors argue this would remove the fee barrier for non-government schools and open the possibility for any family to choose a non-government school without the impost of fees. It expands, rather than restricts, parental choice. And the bonus is non-government schools “could continue to apply enrolment and other policies necessary to promote their specific religious or educational ethos”.

If non-government schools don’t want to do this, they don’t have to, but there’s a catch. Schools that “continue to charge fees or reject inclusive enrolment obligations would no longer receive any public funding”.

Their fifth point is the creation of a new authority to oversee implementation and monitoring of the new framework.

Read more: Still 'Waiting for Gonski' – a great book about the sorry tale of school funding[16]

Can it work?

The Albanese government has committed to “work with” state and territory governments to get every school “on a path to 100% of its fair funding level”, as per the Gonski model.

This will come under the microscope as the next National School Reform Agreement is developed. This ties school reforms to the funding the federal government provides the states and territories. The next agreement[17] is due to begin in January 2025 and is currently the subject of a review.

Whole holding a national summit should be straightforward, a national common framework has substantially more barriers to overcome. The multiple sectors of education governance in Australia (state/territory, Catholic, independent), and the multiple legal instruments that govern them, make this very difficult[18], even from a practical perspective.

At the simplest level, education remains a state/territory constitutional responsibility that seems unlikely to be collectively ceded back to the federal government any time soon.

The idea that non-government schools would have to choose between government funding or charging their own fees is also likely to be politically difficult. This is not to say the proposal is far-fetched. UNESCO, in its Global Education Monitoring Report[19] has noted

publicly funded education does not have to be publicly provided.

As the review into the next National School Reform Agreement gathers pace, Greenwell and Bonnor’s invitation is for us all to come together with a vision for something different in Australian education.

Certainly the evidence strongly suggests what we are doing right now is not working.

References

  1. ^ declining academic outcomes (grattan.edu.au)
  2. ^ teacher shortages (www.theeducatoronline.com)
  3. ^ principals facing abuse (theconversation.com)
  4. ^ school violence (www.abc.net.au)
  5. ^ January 2023 assessment (www.pc.gov.au)
  6. ^ Australian Learning Lecture (all-learning.org.au)
  7. ^ propose a framework (all-learning.org.au)
  8. ^ OECD has been warning Australia (www.oecd.org)
  9. ^ The Productivity Commission says Australian schools 'fall short' on quality and equity. What happens now? (theconversation.com)
  10. ^ United Nations Declaration of Human Rights (www.un.org)
  11. ^ beyond the reach (www.smh.com.au)
  12. ^ Selective schools (theconversation.com)
  13. ^ What is the National School Reform Agreement and what does it have to do with school funding? (theconversation.com)
  14. ^ Gonski model (www.education.gov.au)
  15. ^ Some estimates (saveourschools.com.au)
  16. ^ Still 'Waiting for Gonski' – a great book about the sorry tale of school funding (theconversation.com)
  17. ^ next agreement (ministers.education.gov.au)
  18. ^ make this very difficult (theconversation.com)
  19. ^ Global Education Monitoring Report (unesdoc.unesco.org)

Read more https://theconversation.com/a-new-report-proposes-full-public-funding-for-private-schools-but-theres-a-catch-203840

The Times Features

Why Regional Small Businesses in Bendigo Deserve Better Access to Finance in 2025

In the heart of regional Victoria, Bendigo has long stood as a beacon of innovation, resilience and community spirit. As we step further into 2025, the importance of nurturing sm...

Is It Time for a Deep Cleaning? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Most people know they should visit the dentist for a regular check-up and cleaning every six months. But sometimes, a standard cleaning isn’t enough. When plaque and tartar build...

The Hidden Meaning Behind Popular Engagement Ring Cuts

When it comes to engagement rings, the cut of the diamond is not just about aesthetics. Each shape carries its own symbolism and significance, making it an important decision for...

Annual Health Exams in the Office: How They Can Reduce Sick Days and Healthcare Costs

Regular health check-ups, especially annual health exams in the office, can significantly impact the overall well-being of your workforce. A proactive approach to employee health...

Best Deals on Home Furniture Online

Key Highlights Discover the best deals on high-quality outdoor furniture online. Transform your outdoor space into a stylish and comfortable oasis. Explore a wide range of d...

Discover the Best Women's Jumpers for Every Season

Key Highlights Explore lightweight jumpers for spring and summer, ensuring breathability and ease. Wrap up warm with cozy wool jumpers for the chilly autumn and winter season...

Times Magazine

The Essential Guide to Transforming Office Spaces for Maximum Efficiency

Why Office Fitouts MatterA well-designed office can make all the difference in productivity, employee satisfaction, and client impressions. Businesses of all sizes are investing in updated office spaces to create environments that foster collaborat...

The A/B Testing Revolution: How AI Optimized Landing Pages Without Human Input

A/B testing was always integral to the web-based marketing world. Was there a button that converted better? Marketing could pit one against the other and see which option worked better. This was always through human observation, and over time, as d...

Using Countdown Timers in Email: Do They Really Increase Conversions?

In a world that's always on, where marketers are attempting to entice a subscriber and get them to convert on the same screen with one email, the power of urgency is sometimes the essential element needed. One of the most popular ways to create urg...

Types of Software Consultants

In today's technology-driven world, businesses often seek the expertise of software consultants to navigate complex software needs. There are several types of software consultants, including solution architects, project managers, and user experienc...

CWU Assistive Tech Hub is Changing Lives: Win a Free Rollator Walker This Easter!

🌟 Mobility. Independence. Community. All in One. This Easter, the CWU Assistive Tech Hub is pleased to support the Banyule community by giving away a rollator walker. The giveaway will take place during the Macleod Village Easter Egg Hunt & Ma...

"Eternal Nurture" by Cara Barilla: A Timeless Collection of Wisdom and Healing

Renowned Sydney-born author and educator Cara Barilla has released her latest book, Eternal Nurture, a profound collection of inspirational quotes designed to support mindfulness, emotional healing, and personal growth. With a deep commitment to ...

LayBy Shopping