In Sydney’s outer suburbs, a housing crisis has led to an unexpected issue with the construction of primary schools. Private school enrollment has soared as the public system struggles to meet the demand driven by an influx of families to these new areas. Factors such as migration, fertility changes, and parents choosing low-fee private schools have all contributed to this shift. While the majority of primary-aged students still attend public schools, the proportion has dropped from 70% to 68% in the past five years, with independent and Catholic schools making up the rest.
Private schools have been quick to fill the void left by the struggling public system, with enrollment increasing in over 20 local government areas, particularly in booming growth areas. Planning adviser Stephen Earp notes that private schools often react quickly to demand by establishing smaller campuses in new developments. However, the lack of support for public schools from both the federal and state governments has made it difficult for families to enroll their children in the public system. Despite this, the government is investing $3.6 billion in new and upgraded schools in western Sydney to address the infrastructure gap.
Throughout the years, the Education Department has sold over $700 million worth of property, including potential school sites on the booming fringes of the city. This lack of foresight has contributed to the current imbalance between public and private school enrollment. In response, the Minns government is working to catch up with the years of planning neglect, realizing the importance of considering schools and hospitals as critical infrastructure when planning new developments.
The issues surrounding primary school enrollment in Sydney’s outer suburbs serve as a cautionary tale about the consequences of government planning controls not being in sync with development. The housing crisis has highlighted the importance of considering schools and other vital infrastructure when planning new developments to avoid similar issues in the future. With private schools stepping in to meet the demand left by the struggling public system, the government must prioritize investing in public school infrastructure to ensure families have access to quality education options.
Parental support for the public school system has been further eroded by Canberra’s focus on supporting private schools, the shortcomings of the Gonski reforms, and the negligence of NSW governments in anticipating and meeting the demand for schools. As the government works to address the infrastructure gap and invest in new schools, it is critical that lessons are learned from this situation to ensure that schools are given the same priority as housing and other essential services in future planning decisions. By considering schools as vital infrastructure, governments can avoid situations like the one unfolding in Sydney’s outer suburbs and provide all children with access to quality education opportunities.
