Case For Independent Schools Funding Increase

Strong Case For Independent Schools Funding Increase

Increasing funding for Independent Schools is a win-win-win situation says the Maxim Institute.

The government will save money, improve education standards through innovation and competition and provide more alternatives to parents for their children's education.

In response to the Independent Schools of New Zealand (ISNZ) report on Funding Arrangements, Maxim spokesman Scott McMurray says, the government should review its policy to cap funding.

"Independent Schools provide a valuable alternative to the state system, particularly for parents who value schools with special character. More diversity within the education sector will help to ensure a higher standard of performance across the whole system."

Mr McMurray says that by limiting funding for the independent sector the government is limiting any real choice to the monopoly of the state education system.

"If the funding cap is maintained the effect will be to make Independent Schools more exclusive and out of reach for most families."

The ISNZ report found that given the responsiveness of demand for independent schooling to fee levels, an increase in the subsidy rate would be likely to reduce the cost of schooling to the government.

"There is a compelling case for the government to rethink this issue. Increasing funding for Independent Schools makes sense for education and economically," said Mr McMurray.

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