Student enrolments in the ACT’s local public schools continue to grow strongly, according to the Canberra Public Schools Census conducted in August.
The August 2017 census showed there were 46,566 students enrolled in Canberra public schools, an increase of 1,649 enrolments (3.7 per cent) since August 2016. Over five years, from August 2013 to August 2017, enrolments increased by 5,519 students (13.4 per cent).
The ACT Government is already planning for predicted growth over coming years. Education Minister Yvette Berry said the state government had already started investing in new and expanded public schooling.
The data also showed 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 per cent) since August 2016. Enrolments of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students have increased by 428 students (30.1 per cent) since August 2013.
“ACT public schools are inclusive environments where all children are valued regardless of their background or circumstances,” Ms Berry said, pointing to the census, which showed there were 2,313 students accessing special education programs at either mainstream or specialist public schools. This is an increase of 58 students (2.6 per cent) compared with the August 2016 census.
