There are three school sectors in NSW:

The government and Catholic sectors both operate within a centralised structure, or system.  Government schools account for approximately 66% of total student enrolments in NSW and the schools are owned and operated by the NSW Government. The Catholic system comprises 11 separate diocesan school systems and enrols approximately 18% of students. The independent sector accounts for slightly more than 15% of student enrolments.

 

The independent sector is so-called because each school is independent of government or Catholic system ownership.  It is made up of individually operated schools as well as small groups or systems. Independent schools vary widely in size from schools with fewer than 20 students to large schools with up to 2,000 students. Independent schools are located in all areas of NSW covering metropolitan, regional and rural and remote areas of the state.

 

All independent schools in NSW are registered by the NSW Board of Studies and are educationally and financially accountable to the Board and to the Australian and NSW Governments.

 

Many independent schools are operated along religious lines, including:

Many independent schools are not affiliated with any particular religious philosophy or church while others follow certain types of educational philosophies such as Rudolf Steiner Schools and Montessori Schools.

 

A significant number of independent schools in NSW also operate boarding facilities. There are also 25 special schools in NSW that cater for students with disabilities and other special needs, including for students with severe and multiple physical, emotional and learning disabilities or behavioural issues. Some independent schools also cater specifically for students from indigenous backgrounds.