$43 million should be saved from private school subsidy

31 May 2012

$43 million should be saved from private school subsidy

QPEC is calling on the Minister of Education to save $43 million from education by reducing the government subsidy to private schools rather than increasing class sizes at public schools.

In the New Zealand Herald this morning the executive director of the Independent Schools Association said the average class size among their 44 member private schools is around 12 students with a maximum class size of 16 students. In public schools the average class is size is around 25 with many classes well over 30.

At private schools:
• Average class size of 12, maximum 16
• No children with significant special needs
• No children with significant behavioural problems
• Few children with serious learning difficulties
• Educate 4% of our children
• 22% increase in government funding in 2012

At public schools:
• Average class size of 25, classes of over 30 typical
• Children with special needs included in “mainstream” classes
• Many children with significant behavioural problems
• Many children with significant learning difficulties
• Educate 96% of our children
• Government aims to “save” $43 million each year by increasing class sizes

Government subsidies for private schools have increased from $40 million when National took office to more than $70 million today. In 2010 the increase was 22.3% with similar annual increases since.

We believe the government should save the $43 million they are claiming by reducing the taxpayer subsidy to private schools rather than by increasing class sizes at public schools.

The educational needs are much greater in public schools and the government should act accordingly.

ENDS

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