World pressures causing local impact

When we think of hot topics in Australia in 2023, the cost of living certainly tops the list.

So it was no surprise when last year’s national McCrindle Cost of Education survey found that 81% of respondents are stressed about finances.

But which costs are causing the most amount of pressure for Australian parents each month?

Some of the most significant include mortgage and rent (selected by 46% of respondents), utilities and rates (selected by 45%), and groceries (selected by 42%).

So what about the cost of education in Western Australia? Over 66% of parents said that the cost of education was having a significant impact on their household finances.

We’re a nation that values education

Australians are strong advocates for quality education, with 4 in 5 parents (85%) believing schooling is essential for their children to thrive in life.

So it’s telling that despite education posing a significant strain on finances for two-thirds of the parenting population, they’re still focused on how to make it work for the future of their children.

But only 34% of Aussie parents feel they are financially equipped to contribute to lifelong education for their children – with 12% not feeling equipped at all.

So it’s clear Australia’s parenting population could benefit from long-term planning support.

Schooling costs more than just tuition

One of the common missteps parents make when determining the cost of education in Australia is to base averages on school fees alone.

But the research shows that it’s the ‘hidden’ costs – or ancillaries – that often add up the most.

In fact, these extra items account for around 88% of total education costs in Government schools, 56% in Catholic schools, and 48% in Independent schools.

Families have no choice but to factor in the costs of uniforms, transport, camps, excursions, electronic devices and many other additional costs.

Is education expensive in Western Australia?

So, what is the average cost of education in Western Australia? Perth is Australia’s most affordable city for Independent education. That said, it still increased by $11,839 over the past twelve months.

The state's Government schooling is also 1% below the national average, increasing by $5,084 since 2023. But, when it comes to Catholic education, Western Australia sits 4% above the national average, with an annual increase of $10,889.

The table below breaks down the combined averages of tuition fees and ancillary costs nationally compared to Western Australia over 13 years – according to schooling sector and location.

*These numbers are population-weighted and projected over a 13-year period and provided as a guide only. The actual costs cannot be guaranteed.

A look at secondary school in Perth

Secondary school fees are generally higher than primary fees. It is not uncommon for parents to consider changing sectors for the later years of their children’s schooling.

This table shows a breakdown of each sector's average annual cost for metro Western Australia secondary schools.

Zoning and location can significantly add to costs

Many Catholic and Government schools have zoning restrictions to ease classroom numbers, which prompts many families to relocate to fall ‘into the catchment zone’. So it’s not uncommon for highly sought-after schools to attract a premium when it comes to property prices and rent.

And the numbers concur: McCrindle found that 35% of parents are influenced by the location of a school – forcing them to find the extra funds for relocation and higher rentals or mortgages.

So, when a client is considering their ability to service their child’s education costs, ensure they are factoring this in too.

How to help clients achieve their education savings plans

Quality education comes at a cost. But it’s also one parents can plan for today – to ensure their child has a better tomorrow.

When looking at the figures in this article, it’s easy to see why a parent would feel a sense of dread or apprehension at how they will make this work. But as with everything in life, with the right knowledge and guidance, it is possible for them to afford the education they want for their child – comfortably.

The key is to help them to create a solid plan – and encourage action.

For over 50 years, Futurity have been helping Australian families to afford the costs of education through our Education Bond.

Our solutions are designed to allow financial advisers to help their clients save and accumulate funds for schooling expenses in a tax-effective way. Furthermore, other features around estate planning and intergenerational wealth transfer are available.

A child’s education is one of the biggest investments parents will ever make. It’s never too early to understand and prepare for these costs – so they can create the bright future they envisage for their children.

Want to learn more about Futurity’s Education Bond range? Get in touch with our team today.