The National Catholic Education Commission has challenged a report on education costs released this week, saying it presents a misleading picture of fees in Catholic schools nationwide.
The NCEC said Futurity Investment’s Cost of Education Report 2026 caused “unnecessary alarm for parents who make the choice of education that best suits the needs of their children – whether that is a government, Catholic or independent school”.
The report, published on the Futurity website (which also sells education bonds and financial services to parents), presents compounded cost projections consistent with the 5-6 per cent increase in school fees.
The reported increase in costs is based on ancillary spending estimates from a very small sample of parents, and adding in categories ranging from uniforms and technology to after-school tutoring and before- and after-school clubs.
In a statement, the National Catholic Education Commission acknowledged the cost of education is rising.
“It is rising for families and for schools and school systems (across all sectors). Cost-of-living pressures impact families’ disposable income as well as the costs that schools incur when providing educational services,” the statement said.
“Fee increases across the Catholic sector are consistent with increases in other sectors and represent the costs of delivering education.”
The NCEC said the Catholic sector received stable, means-tested government funding indexed with reference to both the Consumer Price Index and the Wage Price Index.
“This recognises the additional costs of delivering education, particularly wages which have increased significantly in the past few years,” the statement said.
“We value our teachers and recognise the vital role they play in educating and nurturing students, so paying them fairly for their expertise and dedication is essential.”
Other unavoidable costs also contribute to fee increases, including insurance, regulatory compliance, and the upkeep of safe, high-quality schools that provide the best learning opportunities for students.
“Catholic education is committed to accessible education and works with its families to ensure that an inability to pay does not deny a family access to a Catholic education,” the statement said.
“Our schools have long been a mechanism to support the most disadvantaged and provide for the common good.
“Any family who needs assistance is encouraged to speak to their school principal about options for support.”
FULL STORY
Report paints misleading picture of school fees (National Catholic Education Commission)
