6 Mar 2025
Catholic schools see largest twelve-month growth in 10 years
More families than ever before are choosing a quality, Catholic education for their child as latest census data confirms enrolments at Western Australia’s Catholic schools grew by 1.9% – the largest twelve-month growth in ten years.
There are now more than 83,200 students enrolled in 162 Catholic schools across the state. That figure includes 3,704 First Nations students, a 3.76% increase from this time last year.
Catholic Education WA continues to urge the incoming State Government to provide equitable funding for those families who choose a faith-based education.
Demand for Catholic schools continues to grow across the board including in metro (1.8%), country (2.6%), primary (1.7%), secondary (2.1%) and K-12 (1.9%). Enrolments in Kindergarten also grew by 4.4%.
In a sign of the health of the Catholic education system, growth was seen across all four dioceses, with Geraldton experiencing the biggest growth of 4.1% followed by Bunbury (2.9%), Perth (1.6%), and Broome (1.3%).
Enrolment growth was driven by both new schools (16.3%) and established schools (1.2%).
Catholic Education WA Executive Director, Wayne Bull said:
“As more families are discovering, when you enrol your child at one of our schools you join thriving, inclusive, and vibrant faith communities with Principals and teachers committed to supporting students to discover their interests and talents wherever they may lie.
“In the face of significant cost of living challenges, I am encouraged that families still see Catholic schools as an affordable education choice. Whether your family is new to Catholic education in Western Australia or has been a member of our community for some time I thank you for your trust in our schools.”