Queensland private schools have outpaced public schools in government funding growth since 2009, deepening inequity for disadvantaged students, Save Our Schools reports.
The report, based on figures from the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA), found total income per student in Queensland's Independent schools reached $26,132 in 2024. This was 30% higher than the $20,164 recorded for public schools. Catholic schools received $22,649 per student, 12% above the public school figure.
Government funding made up 57% of Independent school income and 72% of Catholic school income in 2024. Independent schools received $14,893 per student from the Commonwealth and Queensland governments, while Catholic schools received $16,356.
Funding gap widens since 2009
Between 2009 and 2024, government funding per student rose by 45.3% for Independent schools and 37.8% for Catholic schools, adjusted for wage and price growth. Public schools saw a smaller increase of 23.7% over the same period.
Citing 2023 figures, the report found just 12% of Independent school students and 14% of Catholic school students came from low-income families. That compares with 33% of public school students. Public schools enrolled 82% of all low-income students in the state, the report said.
Underfunding to persist until 2034
Queensland public schools were funded at 87.9% of their Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) in 2026. It was the third-lowest share in the country behind the Northern Territory and Victoria, the report said, estimating total underfunding for the year at $1.6 billion. Catholic and Independent schools, by contrast, were funded above their standard, at 102%.
That shortfall sits alongside the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, signed by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments in March 2025. Under the deal, the Commonwealth's contribution to Queensland state schools rises from 20% to 25% of the SRS by 2034. It is backed by an estimated $2.8 billion in additional funding over a decade. Queensland will also phase out a provision allowing it to claim capital depreciation as part of its public school funding share.
At the signing, Queensland premier David Crisafulli called it "the biggest funding boost ever delivered to Queensland state schools."
Federal education minister Jason Clare said the funding was "real funding tied to real reforms to help students catch up, keep up and finish school."
Despite that increase, the Save Our Schools report said the agreement allows Queensland to claim non-SRS costs against its public school funding share until 2034. These include Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority expenses and school transport.
Save Our Schools national convenor Trevor Cobbold called the funding pattern "disgraceful." He said, "government funding in Queensland is not being directed at the students and schools most in need."
The report urged the Commonwealth to lift its SRS funding share for public schools to 25% by 2029. It also called on the Queensland Government to remove remaining non-SRS funding allowances by the same year.