This Month
Gaming the system: How schools and students get ahead
Schools are aware of strategies to manipulate the rankings and get the best year 12 results. They just don’t like to talk about them.
February
Top private school principal defends falling rankings amid fee rises
The principal of Sydney’s most expensive private school Scots said he had been made aware parents were airing their concerns in online channels.
Private school fees keep rising but academic results are slipping
Only two of Sydney’s 10 most expensive private schools improved their HSC rankings in 2025. However, some parents say academic results aren’t everything.
Should taxpayers fund $50,000-a-year private schools?
Parents and children deserve choice in education. But should high-fee institutions be subsidised, even if it’s only $4000 or $5000 a year for each student?
January
Coed is here at these private schools (and the sky hasn’t fallen in)
Harper Abbey is starting at Newington with her twin Hudson, as girls and boys learning together turn the page on a rearguard action against coeducation
Elite private school fees to hit $100,000 a year in a decade
The fees at the most expensive Australian private schools are on track to double over 10 years. Where will it end, and will parents be deterred?
King’s School settles with departing headmaster who sued
The private school has settled Tony George’s legal action and Reverend Stephen Edwards has been appointed interim headmaster.
December 2025
Private school fees hit $50,000 in Sydney, break new levels elsewhere
With private school fees rising quicker than inflation, key Sydney schools will eclipse $50,000 next year.
November 2025
Private school fees to rise at more than double the rate of inflation
While some private schools are still sitting on their fee increases for 2026, parents should expect an average fee hike of 7 per cent next year.
Elite schools crack down on fat bikes over safety fears
The popularity of the bikes, recognisable by their powerful motors and fat wheels, is causing concern for some parents, pedestrians and school principals
October 2025
The class signals that decide who gets promoted in Australia
Having a “bogan” accent or a “hick” degree can cruel leadership aspirations, according to a new report. Oh, and add watching reality TV and rugby league to that mix.
September 2025
Daniel Libeskind’s antidote to hate: A $195m ‘open’ Jewish school
At a time of rising antisemitism, the man behind Berlin’s famous Jewish Museum says “going into the shadows” isn’t an option.
Bold experiment helping steer girls into non-traditional careers
Australian teenagers have among the narrowest career choices in the OECD. A school on the Mornington Peninsula is changing that.
Meet the kids already taking uni courses
Employers say an enthusiasm for life-long learning is top of their hiring wish list. These children are getting on the upskill bandwagon as early as possible.
August 2025
Newington College hopes to have co-ed appeal thrown out
The private school defeated the old boys opposing their coeducation plans in May, but the Supreme Court ruling is now being appealed.
Scotch Old Boys told to ‘be vigilant’ as school hacked
Old Collegians have been told by the current principal to be wary of suspicious emails. Via a mass email, of course.
July 2025
North Sydney wants to tax private schools, charge for NYE fireworks
The cash-strapped council wants to raise up to $1 million from non-government schools and charge $50 for the harbour fireworks.
Why we need a tax on private schools and health insurance
It is odd that many who talk about wanting more tax revenue to come from the GST would balk at the easiest services to broaden it to.
The key to Middle East peace
Readers’ letters on a two-state solution in the Middle East, Albanese’s lack of meetings with Trump, efficient courts, gender quotas in the Liberal Party, CBA’s relationship with NPS and Australia’s fuel security.
June 2025
North West Shelf approval on the money, say AFR readers
The government’s decision, which has angered environmentalists, is overwhelmingly supported by our readers.
