The parents fleeing Australia’s public school system – and those choosing to stay

Last year, 64.5% of Australian students attended public school – a drop from 69% two decades ago. Composite: Getty Images/Guardian

Michael Dukes wanted his children to have a public school education. But the Coffs Harbour dad opted to move them to a private school – even though he has to work two jobs to afford it.

For Alice Springs parent Elliat Rich, public school has only ever been the plan for her 13-year-old son. The cost was one part of it, but mainly she sees public education aligning with her values of schooling as a holistic pursuit of creating “well-rounded humans”.