By DANE LILLINGSTONE
Independent schools received a 7.5 per cent bump in recurrent funding in the 2015-16 state budget.
A total of $628.4 million of recurrent funding was allocated for non-state schools in the budget, a 7.5 per cent increase on last year.
The budget includes an additional allocation of $41.2 million in capital assistance for non-state schools, taking total capital funding to $123.6 million in 2015-16.
The Scots PGC College principal Simon Shepherd said it represented a showing of faith by the government in independent education and would benefit Warwick as a whole.
“Scots PGC welcomes the Palaszczuk government’s 7.5 per cent increase in funding for non-state schools.
“This can be seen as clear recognition of the value of independent education and the choice it provides parents,” he said.
“Warwick is an educational hub with a number of independent schools making up a significant sector of the Warwick economy.
“The multiplier effect of these schools for the economy of Warwick is noteworthy and any funding from the Palaszczuk government that helps these schools maintain their affordability, quality of education and opportunities for students should be welcomed by the whole community and, of course, the schools.”
Independent Schools Queensland (ISQ) executive director David Robertson said the increase would ensure the current delivery of high-quality education and assist schools with increasing enrolments.
“This capital investment recognises the important role that independent schools play in the provision of school infrastructure across Queensland and that funding is required for new and expanding schools,” he said.
“The total additional capital funding of $123.6 million over the next three years will be important for independent schools as they continue to cater for increased enrolments and for the upgrading of school facilities“.
Principal Shepherd said at the end of the day it was all about the students.
“Anything which we can do to make education more affordable, we’re consistently trying to do,” he said.
“You speak to any principal in Warwick, every school is trying to put students first and get the best outcome for students, we’re all in it for the same reason.”
