Hi, Wentyl!

We’ve got a different take on private schooling this week, taking an in-depth look at parents who choose to pay for their kids’ education. Exclusive polling data reveals they can no longer be stereotyped as conservative, elite and wealthy. 

A nationally representative poll commissioned by Independent Schools Australia (ISA) has found one in five families with kids at private schools get help from other relatives to pay the fees.

The issue of who’s really paying the school fees is a closely guarded secret in many families, as are the significant sacrifices many make to keep kids enrolled. Indeed, two-thirds of the parents surveyed said cost of living was a major concern, with more than half saving three years or more to pay tuition costs. 

It’s a fascinating insight, with the exclusive polling showing average fees are around $6000 a year – a far cry from the $50,000 paid at the most prestigious schools.

Sydney mum Brooke Marzouk says the financial squeeze from paying private school fees for her three kids Joy, 12, Ellie, 7, and Chris, 10, is a worthwhile sacrifice. Picture: Rohan Kelly

Things are also changing politically, with private school parents emerging as a powerful voting force, ready to reward parties that commit to maintaining government funding of the independent sector. You’ll have to read the piece to get the full picture, but I was surprised that one in five intends to vote for One Nation. Private school parents for Pauline – who would have thought!

Other great stories we’ve run this week include the gobsmacking amount some 'pawrents' are willing to pay for fancy pet food, the lack of regulation around dodgy imported baby carriers putting our kids in danger, harsh criticism of therapists and teachers fuelling chronic eco-anxiety in kids, and an old favourite, the baffling nature of Gen Z slang. IYKYK – and full disclosure, I should point out that I did not know what that meant! 

Enjoy these stories, and more. Have a great week and keep in touch at education@news.com.au