A record number of students enrolled in the catholic education system last year, according to data from the Australian Bureau of statistics (ABS), showing a great support for faith-based education.
According to the data from the 2022 census, 795,368 children were enrolled last year, compared to 787,181 enrolments observed in 2021.
National Catholic Education executive director Jacinta Collins believes the data represents the value many Australian families put upon educating their children in a faith based academic experience.
“The latest Census data shows Catholic education remains the major provider of education outside of government, with enrolments growing,” she said.
Also advising that in the last 12 months alone that ten new catholic schools opened across Australia, meaning even more families can access a catholic education
“It is a timely reminder that school choice is a highly valued component of the Australian education system and parents want an authentic faith-based education for their children,” Ms Collins said.
“As the largest provider of faith-based schooling in Australia, this growth shows the great importance Catholic school families place on choosing a school that meets the needs of their child and reflects their values and beliefs.”
Additionally, the ABS data identified that there was an even larger increase in independent school enrolments, jumping 12.5 per cent in last year’s census.
ABS head of education statistics, Ellouise Roberts said, “Over the past decade, enrolments in independent schools increased by over 25 per cent (130,306).
However, government schools continue to maintain the strong hold of enrolments, with 64.5 per cent of overall enrolments observed last year, catholic schools had 19.7 per cent and independent schools had 15.9 per cent.
