The latest information from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today has revealed that Catholic schools in NSW increased the number of student enrolments for the fourth consecutive year, and the rate of enrolments increased at 1.3%, the strongest year of growth since 2013.
| 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrolments | 216,810 | 217,137 | 218,261 | 220,562 | 223,489 |
| Growth | 0.2% | 0.5% | 1.1% | 1.3% |
The growth in the Catholic sector comes as NSW saw a 0.1% total enrolment decline.
The CEO of Catholic Schools NSW, Mr Dallas McInerney, said the increased enrolments in Catholic schools reflect parents’ exercising school choice and the favourable option of a low fee, comprehensive, and faith-based alternative to government schools.
“Catholic schools in NSW increased the number of student enrolments for the fourth consecutive year, which reflects parents’ right to send their children to a school of their choosing. Increasingly, this is a move toward Catholic and Independent schools, the majority of which are faith-based,” Mr McInerney said.
“Such growth is welcome, yet increased enrolments inevitably mean more support and infrastructure to cater to these students’ requirements – and parents’ expectations for a quality education.”
“Unlike other independent schools, which can cater for demand in a specific area or for a specific group, Catholic schools are, and always will be, a comprehensive system that is low-fee and open to all. More enrolments mean more faith in Catholic schools across various demographics and areas.”