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.