Released 27/09/2017
Student enrolments in the ACT’s local public schools continue to grow strongly, according to the Canberra Public Schools Census conducted in August.
Both our schools and our city are growing. More people than ever are finding out what locals already know: Canberra is a great place to send your children to public schools to receive high quality education from kindergarten through to year 12.
The August 2017 census shows there were 46,566 students enrolled in Canberra public schools, an increase of 1,649 enrolments (3.7%) since August 2016. Over five years, from August 2013 to August 2017, enrolments increased by 5,519 students (13.4%).
The ACT Government is already planning for predicted growth over coming years. We have already started investing in new and expanded schools so every child who seeks a place can access high quality education at their local public school.
There is also a continued increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students enrolled in ACT public schools. In the August census there were 1,850 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people enrolled in Canberra public schools, an increase of 73 enrolments (4.1%) since August 2016. Enrolments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have increased by 428 students (30.1%) since August 2013.
ACT public schools are inclusive environments where all children are valued regardless of their background or circumstances. At the August 2017 census there were 2,313 students, representing five percent of the student population, accessing special education programs at either mainstream or specialist public schools. This is an increase of 58 students (2.6%) compared with the August 2016 census.
It is clear that parents and carers are continuing to choose the great public education on offer in the ACT. The government’s current Future of Education conversation is founded in the government’s core value of equity.
Every child regardless of their circumstance or background must have access to a great education that will set them up for a bright future and our public schools are meeting that aim.
- Statement ends -
Yvette Berry, MLA | Media Releases
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