The Private School Exit: Unpacking Attrition in Australia
🎓 Why Are Families Leaving Your School? Understanding The Journey Is Key To Retention
In 2024, over 4.1 million students were enrolled across Australia’s schools, yet retention, especially in senior years, is slipping. Government schools saw a Year 10 to Year 12 retention rate of just 74.3%, compared to 88.1% in non-government schools. But behind these numbers are real families making difficult decisions.
So why are they leaving?
💔 1. Wellbeing: The Silent Signal
When a child’s emotional or mental wellbeing is compromised, families often feel they have no choice but to seek a different environment. Whether it's bullying, academic pressure, or a lack of support services, wellbeing is a leading—yet often underreported—reason for withdrawal. Nearly half of all departures are primarily triggered by the child's unhappiness at school. This is often the culmination of underlying issues like poor management, discipline, or insufficient individual attention.
49% of families cite child's unhappiness as the main reason for leaving in the Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) report “What Parents Want: Queensland Independent Schools Parent Survey 2021”.
Ask yourself: Are we truly listening to the emotional needs of our students and families? Do we know what wellbeing looks like in our school?
💵 2. Fees: The Financial Tipping Point
With rising living costs, school fees can become unsustainable for many families. Even in non-government schools, where enrolments are growing, affordability remains a key concern. While rarely the sole cause, financial strain acts as a powerful catalyst. When dissatisfaction already exists, the high cost of private education becomes the justifiable reason for withdrawal, turning simmering concerns into a final decision.
It's the hidden weight that tips the scales.
Ask yourself: Are we transparent about costs and flexible with payment options? Do we offer scholarships or fee relief?
Nuanced and Less Common Reasons for Departure
🎭 3. Philosophy vs. Reality: When the School Doesn’t Match the Promise
Some families leave not because of fees or relocation—but because the school they enrolled in isn’t the school they experienced. The glossy brochures, open day presentations, and social media posts may have painted a picture of progressive learning, inclusive culture, or holistic wellbeing. But once inside, the reality didn’t align.
Whether it’s a rigid curriculum, limited support for diverse learners, or a culture that feels more competitive than collaborative, this mismatch can lead to disillusionment and ultimately, withdrawal.
This sentiment is particularly relevant as parents become more discerning in their school selection process. A 2014 survey showed that the proportion of parents considering all three schooling sectors: government, Catholic, and independent increased from 17% in 2006 to 28% in 2014, and grew further to 32% by 2021. This trend indicates that parents are doing their "homework" to make an informed choice. Consequently, when a family's lived experience in the school does not align with the values and promises they were sold, the resulting mismatch can lead to a sense of disappointment and become a significant, albeit less common, reason for departure
Ask yourself: Are we delivering on the values we promote? Is our marketing a mirror or a mask?
🚚 4. Relocation: Life Happens
Families move. Jobs change. Circumstances shift. While relocation is often unavoidable, the way a school handles transitions can leave a lasting impression. Some families report feeling unsupported during the exit process, which can affect word-of-mouth reputation.
Ask yourself: Do we make it easy for families to stay connected, even if they move away? Are we tracking relocation trends?
This is one to keep in mind for enrolments also. How easily can newly relocated families apply and be considered to join your school community?
👶 5. No Space for Younger Siblings
This one stings. Families often plan for all their children to attend the same school, and when space isn’t available, they may choose to leave altogether. It’s a logistical issue with emotional consequences.
Ask yourself: Are we forecasting enrolments well enough to accommodate sibling continuity?
🧠 Are You Asking the Right Questions?
Retention isn’t just about numbers, it’s about relationships. If families are leaving, do you know why? More importantly, are you doing anything with that feedback?
Do you conduct exit interviews?
Are you tracking patterns in withdrawals?
Is feedback being shared with leadership and acted upon?
Strategic Recommendations for School Leaders
Implement a Proactive Retention Strategy
Invest in Student Wellbeing and Pastoral Care
Enhance Transparent Communication and Parental Engagement
Leverage Data for Decision-Making
Want to hear our take on how to achieve this? Contact us for practical, proven solutions.
Sources:
Australian Bureau of Statistics – Schools, 2024 https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/education/schools/latest-release
ACARA – National Report on Schooling in Australia https://www.acara.edu.au/reporting/national-report-on-schooling-in-australia
AIHW – School Retention and Completion Feature Article https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/993a0b32-c71a-4203-a4c1-055cd472fb69/aw15-4-2-school-retention-and-completion.pdf.aspx
Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2024). Schools, Australia. Retrieved from https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/people/education/schools/latest-release
Sahlberg, P. (2025, February 17). Surge in private school enrolments amid fears of 'full blown flight' from public system. *The Guardian*. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/feb/17/australia-public-school-attendance-statistics-record-low-abs
O'Brien, P., & O'Brien, S. (2014). An exploration of the factors influencing student attrition in Australian higher education. *Journal of Higher Education Policy and Management*, 36(6), 633-644.
Norton, A., & Cherastidtham, I. (2024). *The Impact of Data Visualization*. Grattan Institute. Retrieved from https://grattan.edu.au/report/the-impact-of-data-visualization/
Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). (2022). *Staff in Australia's Schools 2022 Report*. Retrieved from https://www.aitsl.edu.au/research/staff-in-australias-schools-2022-report
Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ). (2021). *What Parents Want: Queensland Independent Schools Parent Survey 2021*. Retrieved from https://www.isq.qld.edu.au/research-and-resources/what-parents-want/
Department of Education, Skills and Employment. (2023). *2023 Student Experience Survey National Report*. Retrieved from https://www.qilt.edu.au/docs/default-source/student-experience-survey/2023-ses-national-report.pdf
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