MEDIA RELEASE: SA Independent schools 2026 State election priorities

The Association of Independent Schools of South Australia (AISSA) has launched SA Independent Schools – A Choice That Matters, outlining the sector’s key ‘Asks’ ahead of the 21 March State election.

The campaign highlights that Independent schools are the fastest-growing school sector, with more South Australians choosing a high-quality education that aligns with their values, beliefs and child’s needs.

Enrolments in SA have increased by 2.5%, with growth particularly strong in outer-suburban, regional and low-fee Independent schools.

AISSA’s Chief Executive Anne Dunstan says Independent schools play a key role in improving education outcomes for all South Australian children, while contributing $3.2 billion annually to the State’s economy.

“The AISSA works with government and Catholic schools to drive innovation and improved outcomes for all students,” Anne says.

“The Independent school sector’s 2026 State Election ‘Asks’ support a commitment to every child’s success and reinforce the importance of giving families genuine choice in education.”

The 2026 State Election ‘Asks’ by the SA Independent school sector include a commitment to:

• No New Taxes or Fees for Non-Government Schools
• Long-term Equitable State Government Recurrent Funding Commitment
• Inclusive Education and Disability Support Funding Equity
• Universal Access to Government-Funded Allied Health Student Support
• Transport equity for Regional Students
• Capital Infrastructure Support
• Workforce Strategy Partnership
• VET and Pathways Expansion
• Early Childhood Investment and Reform Collaboration
• Funding Parent Engagement Strategies
• Cyber Security and Digital Resilience Investment
• Collaborative Education Reform Advisory Group
• Early Notification of State Government Education-Zone Sites for Sale

Did You Know?

• The AISSA represents 105 schools with diverse religious, secular, values-based, and philosophical affiliations, that educate 55,000+ students and employ 10,000+ staff
• The median annual fee for SA Independent schools is $4,498
• Independent school enrolments reduced government and taxpayer expenditure by $500 million
• State and Federal governments spend around $13,080 to educate an Independent school student, compared to $24,860 for a government school student

Strong Support. Great Outcomes. For Every Student.

AISSA Media contacts:

Anne Dunstan
Chief Executive
Association of Independent Schools of South Australia
(08) 8179 1400