Does Child Support Cover Private School Fees?

No, private school fees are generally not covered by child support. Private schooling is treated as a separate, significant expense that parents must manage independently.

Child support in Australia is designed to just cover basic, everyday expenses such as food, accommodation, clothing, and public schooling.

However, disagreements can lead parents to use the child support system to compel contributions for agreed private schooling. A parent may apply for a Change of Assessment through Services Australia, potentially requiring the other parent to pay school fees.

This article explains exactly how private school fees are handled under Australia's child support system, what happens if parents disagree, and whether private schooling remains worthwhile after separation.

What Child Support Covers

Child support covers essential living costs. These include housing, food, clothing, and basic education through public schooling.

Some expenses are excluded from regular child support assessments. In Australia, these excluded costs are called prescribed non-agency payments. Examples include dental braces, interstate travel for parent visits, and private school fees—expenses that are significant but not part of daily living costs.

How Private School Fees are Handled

Private school fees aren't included in regular child support payments. Instead, they're typically handled through separate arrangements.

Usually, one parent directly pays the school, while the other reimburses their share. Some parents handle this informally, while others use formal, written agreements or court orders to clearly outline contributions. Either way, these payments are always separate from the standard monthly child support amount.

What Happens if Parents Disagree?

Disagreements about school fees can cause major conflicts. How these disputes play out depends on the specific situation.

Both parents agree to private schooling

The simplest scenario is when both parents agree. In Australia, parents usually split school fees evenly (50/50), unless there's a large difference in income. A formal agreement helps avoid future arguments by clearly defining payment responsibilities.

One parent wants private school (hasn't started yet)

If schooling hasn't started yet and one parent doesn't agree, there's no obligation to pay. The parent pushing for private school may need to cover all fees themselves unless the other parent voluntarily agrees.

Child already attends private school, one parent wants to stop

If the child is already enrolled, a parent who previously agreed can't simply stop paying. Services Australia (CSA) can review the situation via a Change of Assessment application by the parent.

CSA will take into account prior agreements, the child's established routine, and each parent's financial circumstances. This can result in fees being formally added into the paying parent's obligations.

One parent enrolls without agreement

If a parent enrolls a child in private school without the other's agreement, they typically bear sole financial responsibility. The other parent can't be compelled to pay unless Services Australia makes a determination through a Change of Assessment, which is uncommon without prior agreement or a clear justification.

Getting Credit for Direct Payment of Fees

If the primary carer is responsible for school fees, but the paying parent chooses to cover the cost directly, they may receive credit towards their regular child support obligations. These payments are known as "prescribed non-agency payments."

Up to 30% of the paying parent's regular monthly child support liability can be credited this way. To qualify, the paying parent must notify Services Australia or have the receiving parent's agreement. Clear records of these payments are crucial to avoid disputes.

Is Private School Worth It After Separation?

Private schooling after separation can be stressful and financially draining. Public schools are often simpler, less expensive, and can significantly reduce conflict between separated parents.

Parents concerned about their child missing out could consider establishing an education fund instead. Deposit the money saved from private school fees annually into this fund. It will create substantial benefits for the child's future.

Be careful about what you agree to—or even informally go along with—as committing to private schooling can create ongoing financial responsibilities.