School fees and expenses on the rise

PUBLIC SCHOOL FEES OVER 13 YEARS AS OF 2024

* MELBOURNE: most expensive – $108,879

* CANBERRA: least expensive $81,564

* METRO AREAS: $92,710

* REGIONAL AREAS: $80,303

CATHOLIC SCHOOL FEES OVER 13 YEARS AS OF 2024

* CANBERRA: most expensive – $208,871

* SYDNEY: least expensive – $188,759

* METRO AREAS: $195,074

* REGIONAL AREAS: $173,000

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL FEES OVER 13 YEARS AS OF 2024

* SYDNEY: most expensive – $377,993

* PERTH: least expensive – $225,728

* METRO AREAS: $316,944

* REGIONAL AREAS: $221,501

PARENTS’ GROWING CONCERNS OVER COSTS

* Nearly nine out of 10 parents are worried they can’t afford school supplies

* Half of parents likely won’t be able to afford digital devices needed for school

* One in six think their children will miss out on internet access for schoolwork

* Nearly half could miss out on uniforms or shoes for school

* One in three think their children will miss out on school excursions.

Source: The Investment in Education Index by Futurity Investment Group

Neve Brissenden
(Australian Associated Press)