The state’s private and Catholic schools will receive $17 million over the next year for new classrooms, upgrades and infrastructure projects.

Under the Building Grants Assistance Scheme, government funds are directed towards areas of the greatest need, while considering fees, demographics and socio-economic characteristics of the school.

About $50 million was set aside by the Coalition in the lead-up to the state election for the scheme to build new teaching spaces and maintain facilities as the state’s private schools report surging enrolments.

In 2019, then-premier Gladys Berejiklian announced a record $500 million boost over four years for building projects and maintenance at non-government schools, saying the Coalition government would support parents whether they send their children to a local public, Catholic or independent school.

Enrolments in independent and Catholic schools have risen over the decade, as parents increasingly opt for private education and growth surges in low and mid-fee schools in Sydney’s newer suburbs.

For comparison, about $11 million to $13 million in government funding was allocated each year to private and Catholic school infrastructure between 2011 and 2014.

Head of the NSW Association of Independent Schools, Margery Evans, said parent demand for new student places is rising, with private schools educating about 18 per cent pf all students across the state.

“The NSW budget has provided capital grants of $17 million to be divided between the Independent and Catholic sectors, as well as $15 million for preschools,” Evans said.

“However, the ongoing high demand from parents for places, particularly in low-fee independent schools, means additional resources will be required to build the classrooms needed.

“AISNSW will continue to work with the government on ways to accommodate its strong, ongoing growth, including through improvements to the planning system.”