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Neil McGowan with South Australian Catholic school students (CESA)

Catholic Education SA has announced it will freeze tuition fees at 84 diocesan schools across the state for the 2024 school year.

In an unprecedented move, this will be the third consecutive year that Catholic Education SA has not raised tuition fees.

In 2024, school fees will remain unchanged at:

  • 59 Diocesan Catholic primary schools
  • 22 Diocesan secondary and combined colleges
  • 2 special schools – St Patrick’s and Our Lady of La Vang
  • 1 special assistance school – Compass Catholic Community – remains fee-free.

“We recognise that cost-of-living increases are putting significant pressure on families,” Catholic Education SA executive director Dr Neil McGoran said. 

“The bottom line is families matter. At a time when South Australians are experiencing high inflation, increasing interest rates and mortgage pressure, families need affordable school fees more than ever.

“Growth in enrolments across the State in our 101 Catholic Schools, together with prudent financial management, puts us in a position where we are able to hold tuition fees at this year’s level.”

Dr McGoran said the fee-freeze will provide welcome relief to families and will not affect the quality of education.

“We’re genuinely committed to keeping school fees as low as possible and ensuring a Catholic education is affordable and accessible to all.”

Since 2019, Catholic Education SA has been implementing the Making Catholic Education More Affordable Initiative to ensure our schools are accessible to any family who wants their child to have a Catholic education.

“We’ve introduced a range of initiatives, including widespread fee reductions, a low-income fee for families on modest incomes, and a free midyear intake for Receptions,” Dr McGoran said. 

In addition to these measures, further fee remissions and reductions are available to any family who is struggling to pay school fees due to financial pressures. Families should contact their school for more information.

FULL STORY

Catholic Education SA puts a freeze on fees (Catholic Education SA)

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