Voluntary school contributions

Voluntary school contributions are optional contributions the school requests from parents and carers to enhance educational programs.

Principals determine the level of voluntary school contributions in line with published departmental advice and in consultation with their school communities.

The payment of voluntary school contributions is at the discretion of parents and carers. Schools must not deny any student the opportunity to meet syllabus requirements because of non-payment of voluntary school contributions.

There must be no incentives or penalties tied to voluntary contribution payments.

Voluntary school contributions in 2026

• Voluntary school contributions remain capped at $110 for secondary schools and $51 for primary schools.
• Where a school’s 2025 voluntary school contributions were below the capped amounts, the school may increase voluntary school contributions up to the capped amounts in 2026.
• Schools whose 2025 voluntary school contributions were above the capped amounts may not increase their 2026 voluntary school contribution rates.

Elective subject contributions

Elective subject contributions can be requested by the school for elective and Stage 6 subjects in which the student is enrolled, for resources that go beyond the minimum requirements of the curriculum.

Subject contributions cannot be charged for mandatory subjects that deliver the core curriculum.

If elective subject contributions are requested, the school should communicate what the school provides beyond the minimum curriculum requirements, such as materials for art or sports programs.

No student can be denied the opportunity to meet syllabus requirements because of non-payment of school contributions.

Parents and carers who are unable to pay elective subject contributions because of financial hardship may be eligible for assistance from the school. Parents and carers experiencing financial hardship may complete the following form. The Request assistance due to financial hardship form (docx 266KB) may be submitted to the school principal to request financial assistance.

The principal makes decisions regarding requested financial assistance and refunds.

Other requests from parents

Parents and carers can be asked to contribute towards:

• mandatory excursions (including camps, swimming and athletics carnivals) and incursions
• specialised activities with additional costs (sport, performing arts, coaching, transport, facility hire, tutoring costs).

Schools must provide student assistance to cover part or all of these costs in cases of financial hardship.

Schools will fund the following using their annual school budget. Parents and carers should not be asked for payment or contributions for:

• classroom items such as tissues, markers or cleaning supplies
• delivery of core curriculum subjects including course material costs and textbooks
• technology subscriptions used in direct classroom instruction or for mandatory homework
• school funded infrastructure projects (except through the Library Fund and Building Fund)
• additional teaching or school administrative and support staff.

It is appropriate for schools to recommend equipment or supplies for students’ personal use, such as stationery items that the student will keep in their own pencil case.