Voluntary school contributions and elective subject contributions

NSW public schools may request contributions from parents and carers to enhance educational programs.

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.

Voluntary school contributions in 2025

  • Voluntary school contributions in 2025 remain capped at $110 for secondary schools and $51 for primary schools.
  • Where a school’s 2024 voluntary school contributions were below the capped amounts, the school may increase voluntary school contributions up to the capped amounts in 2025.
  • Schools whose 2024 voluntary school contributions were above the capped amounts may not increase their 2025 voluntary school contribution rates.

Elective subject contributions

Elective subject contributions are those the school requests from parents and carers for elective subjects in which the student is enrolled, for resources that go beyond the minimum requirements of the curriculum.​

If elective subject contributions are requested, the school should communicate what the school provides beyond the minimum curriculum requirements, such as arts 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.

The principal makes decisions regarding requested financial assistance and refunds.

Requests for classroom items

Schools should fund items such as tissues, markers and cleaning supplies through their annual school budget. ​

Parents and carers should not be asked to pay for or provide classroom items such as tissues, markers or cleaning supplies. ​

Further information

Please refer to the Voluntary school contribution section of the Financial management policy for more information and guidance.

Category:

  • Finance and accounting

Topics:

  • Finance and accounting
  • Parents and carers

Business Unit:

  • Finance
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