Private schools don’t necessarily offer better academic outcomes than public ones, although they offer other educational benefits. A 2022 study by the Australian Educational Researcher found there was no tangible difference in academic achievement between public and private schools. An overseas study came to a similar conclusion.

You may think that a private school is a one way ticket to a high ranking ATAR result but there is years and years of research that suggests this isn't the case. A 15 year study showed that public, private and Catholic schools produce the same results when comparing children from similar socioeconomic backgrounds.

Research shows parents believe private schools will provide a better education for their children, and better set them up for success in life. But the evidence on whether this perception is correct is not conclusive.

The most recent NAEP data shows what other research has found: Private school students score better in almost all subjects. For example, eighth grade private school students averaged about 20 points higher than public school or charter students on the NAEP reading test in 2022.

Private schools have first call on highly qualified teachers, face far less shortages of teachers and assisting staff, less inadequately qualified teaches, and less teacher absenteeism than public schools. In particular, public schools face severe shortages of teachers and high teacher absenteeism.