Richest and Poorest Schools in NSW and Their Exact Total 5-year Incomes

The Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) highlights a stark disparity in funding between the wealthiest private schools and other institutions in New South Wales (NSW). Between 2018 and 2022, 168 primary, secondary, and combined schools experienced a reduction in annual income, with 70% of these being government schools.

Knox Grammar School leads the list of affluent schools, earning nearly $600 million over five years, with over 3,000 students each paying $40,000 annually. Following Knox, Barker College, Sydney Grammar School, The Scots College, and Pymble Ladies College also boast substantial incomes, collectively generating hundreds of millions through tuition fees, fundraising, and government funding.

The financial prosperity of these institutions underscores why staff from 250 NSW private schools are advocating for salary increases. The Independent Education Union seeks to align private school teachers’ salaries with recent public school pay raises, maintaining a traditional premium.

In contrast, many schools are grappling with financial losses. For instance, Karuna Montessori School in Narraweena saw a staggering 78% income decline, resulting in a total five-year income of $1.8 million, a mere fraction of Knox Grammar’s earnings. Other schools, including Karabar High in Queanbeyan and Erskineville Public School in Sydney, have also faced substantial financial setbacks, highlighting the growing disparity in educational funding.

Financial Figures: A Comparative Look

The top 10 highest-earning schools in NSW amassed over $6.7 billion collectively from 2018 to 2022. Here are their total five-year incomes:

• • • Knox Grammar School: $559,668,410
    • Barker College: $462,564,688
    • Sydney Grammar School: $456,106,758
    • The Scots College: $447,147,389
    • Pymble Ladies’ College: $409,545,637
    • The King’s School: $403,457,413
    • Trinity Grammar School: $387,551,991
    • Newington College: $358,137,304
    • Sydney Church of England Grammar School: $339,243,584
    • Cranbrook School: $338,658,844

On the other end, the lowest-earning schools recorded much smaller figures:

• • • Breadalbane Public School: $1,684,545
    • Sofala Public School: $1,709,198
    • Chandler Public School: $1,870,736
    • Karuna Montessori School: $1,871,399
    • Tambar Springs Public School: $1,960,113
    • Hampton Public School: $1,995,993
    • Megalong Public School: $2,035,303
    • Avoca Public School: $2,057,355
    • Bongongo Public School: $2,061,857
    • Glen Alice Public School: $2,130,022

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