Media Release | Catholic Education SA | July 6 2022

Catholic Education SA puts a freeze on fees

As South Australians continue to feel the impact of COVID-19, Catholic Education SA has announced it will freeze fees at its 86 Diocesan schools for the 2023 school year. 

In 2023, schools fees will remain unchanged at: 

• 62 diocesan Catholic primary schools
• 2 special schools – St Patrick’s and Our Lady of La Vang
• 22 diocesan secondary and combined colleges

The announcement comes as over 1,200 Reception students are preparing to commence at a Catholic primary school as part of the free midyear intake. Families who have children commencing Reception in July will pay no school fees in Term 3 and Term 4 in 2022. 

“These decisions are part of our continued COVID-19 response as we seek to support families at a time when they are being impacted by rising costs and inflation,” says Dr Neil McGoran, Director, Catholic Education SA. 

“Amongst all the worries that families have at this time – worrying about the payment of school fees should not be one of them.”   

Dr McGoran said the fee-freeze would not impact the quality of education. 

Since 2019, Catholic Education SA has been implementing the Making Catholic Education More Affordable Initiative to ensure our schools are accessible to any family who wants their child to have a Catholic education. 

“We’ve introduced a range of initiatives, including widespread fee reductions, a low income fee for families on modest incomes, and a free midyear intake for Receptions.”   

In 2021, all diocesan Catholic primary schools reduced fees by an average of 15%. 

In 2022, all diocesan Catholic primary schools froze their fees and diocesan secondary and combined colleges reduced fees by 1% to 7%.  

The decision to freeze fees again in 2023 will provide welcome relief to families. 

“We’re committed to keeping school fees as low as possible and ensuring a Catholic education is affordable and accessible to all.” 

In addition to the fee-freeze, further fee remissions and reductions are available to any family who is struggling to pay school fees due to financial pressures. Families should contact their school for more information. 

Media contact: Shannon Short 0438 516 523

Download the pdf to see list of schools included in the fee freeze.