Picture this: devoted parents in Melbourne's suburbs, already juggling tight budgets, suddenly facing a shocking 60% hike in their children's school fees over just three years. It's not just a number—it's a gut-wrenching blow that many are calling a blatant "money grab." And this is the part most people miss: in a world where education should be accessible to all, is this spike pushing quality schooling out of reach for everyday families? Let's dive into the details of Aquinas College in Ringwood and see why this feud is sparking outrage across Victoria.
Aquinas College, a budget-friendly Catholic school nestled in Melbourne's eastern outskirts, has ramped up its fees dramatically, leaving stunned parents reeling. Those who spoke to the Herald Sun expressed feelings of utter bewilderment and deep sorrow upon discovering the upcoming 2026 increases. This comes hot on the heels of significant bumps in 2025 and 2024, painting a picture of relentless financial pressure.
For Year 12 students in 2026, the total fee per child will soar to $11,540, up from $9,610 in 2025 and $8,440 in 2024. But that's not all—new mandatory levies and slashed sibling discounts are adding fuel to the fire, making the burden even heavier for families with multiple kids. Sibling discounts, which are a hallmark of many Catholic institutions, have plummeted from 20% to a mere 5%, amplifying the overall impact.
The timing of this announcement has parents fuming, accusing the school of pulling a fast one by revealing the hikes in term four—far too late for families to switch schools without facing penalties. One frustrated mom summed it up as "nothing short of disgraceful," highlighting the school's apparent indifference to the real financial struggles families endure. She warned it could plunge many into serious hardship, forcing tough choices between essentials like food and education.
This isn't an isolated incident; other Victorian schools are seeing rises of 6% to 11%, but Aquinas's leap stands out like a sore thumb. Families here are questioning the core Catholic ethos: "What happened to every child deserving a Catholic education? Or is it only for those who can afford it now?" Another parent, overcome with emotion, shared that she broke down in tears learning about the 2026 jump. For her two children, fees have ballooned from $8,416 in 2022 to a staggering $22,441.25 today—a clear sign of how compound increases can snowball.
To quantify the frustration, a comprehensive survey of 383 families—representing roughly one-third of the school's parents—reveals stark truths. Fees have surged by 61% for households with three kids, 47% for those with two, and 35.7% for single-child families over the period. Even from 2025 to 2026 alone, bumps range from 18% to 29%, depending on family size.
The survey paints a grim picture: 99.1% of respondents oppose the scale of the 2026 rise, with 60% stating it will inflict financial distress. Nearly half (under 50%) are eyeing alternatives, and 40% are seriously considering other schools. Alarmingly, 91.6% feel the school ignored their ability to pay when setting fees, 80% doubt the school's justifications, and a whopping 98% believe there was insufficient consultation.
The overall sentiment? "Overwhelming anger, frustration, and a shattered trust," as the survey notes. Parents slam the hikes' enormity, delayed disclosure, and poor communication as unethical, callous, and at odds with Catholic principles. Many feel tricked and caught off guard, wondering if this aligns with values like compassion and community.
For context, Aquinas boasts a Capacity to Contribute score of 104, which measures socio-economic status—essentially, how well-off the community is. This matches schools like Avila College in Mount Waverley (with 2025 Year 12 fees at $9,675), Emmaus College in Vermont South ($10,320), and Sacred Heart College in Newtown, Geelong ($9,165). It's a way to benchmark schools, showing Aquinas isn't in a uniquely disadvantaged area, yet its fees are climbing higher.
But here's where it gets controversial: the school defends these changes, pointing to a "Master Plan" underway. Stage 1 includes fresh or revamped spaces for classrooms, food tech labs, music rooms, and a health center. They say the extra capital levy will bankroll these upgrades and upkeep, creating a safe, motivating space for everyone. Principal David Broadbent emphasizes careful annual reviews of finances to uphold their Catholic mission of quality, inclusive education.
"Like all Catholic and independent schools, we depend on parental contributions to fill the void left by shrinking government funding and to invest in vital facilities," Broadbent explains. "We're mindful of the economic squeeze on families and strive to juggle that with our long-term stability. We assess each family's situation case-by-case, offering help where needed to keep education uninterrupted. Plus, our fees are still lower than the Melbourne Catholic average, which itself is among Australia's most reasonable options."
This raises a prickly debate: is this a necessary step for schools to thrive, or an overreach that prioritizes bricks and mortar over affordability? Some might argue fees must rise to compete with rising costs—wages, insurance, compliance, resources—but others see it as a betrayal of values. Take Mount St Joseph Girls' College, another Catholic institution, which announced a more than 10% fee jump for 2026, bumping senior students to $6,900 from $6,300. Principal Kate Dishon cited soaring operational expenses as the driver, done after "careful consideration" of student needs.
But here's the real kicker: in a system where government funding gaps are widening, who bears the brunt? Parents, students, or should schools find other ways? As a beginner to this topic, think of it like this—school fees are like a family budget: if costs keep going up but income stays flat, something's got to give. These hikes force families to weigh education against other priorities, potentially widening gaps in opportunity.
What do you think? Is this fee frenzy a fair response to economic pressures, or a sneaky cash grab that undermines educational equality? Do you believe schools should prioritize affordability over fancy upgrades? Share your thoughts in the comments—agree or disagree, let's hear it! Have your school's fees shot up for next year? Drop us a line at education@news.com.au.
