NSW Education Department boss questions existence of private schools

Hours before the Australian Story ‘Class Wars’ program went to air, Dizdar appeared to walk back his comments calling into question the existence of private schools.

In a statement published on the NSW Department of Education website, he said his comments “regarding public provision were not intended to disrespect the good work of my colleagues in other sectors”.

“I recognise and value the important role the Catholic and Independent sectors play in our education system in NSW, now and into the future. I am a passionate champion of the transformational power of public education,” Dizdar said.

“Our three sectors have a strong relationship and have worked collaboratively on a range of issues, from the pandemic through to the new curriculum”.

The Australian Story episode detailed Dizdar’s career, from being a student at selective Fort Street High School to becoming head of the NSW public education sector after two decades in the state system as a teacher, principal and in senior departmental roles.

“I’ve been to 1600 schools out of the 2200 in the state,” he said. “I don’t consider it a job. To me, it’s a life passion.”

His comments come as public schools in NSW face declining enrolment share as parents increasingly leave the public school system as they turn to private and Catholic schools, driven in part by better academic outcomes, stricter discipline and concerns about violence.

NSW recorded its worst year for public school enrolments last year and has lost roughly 25,000 enrolments over the past three years.

Dizdar also outlined the state’s plan for public education, commitment to explicit teaching across the state’s schools and welcomed the state striking a $4.8 billion school funding deal with the Commonwealth.

“The last four or five years has really hurt on a personal front. I don’t like the fact we’ve lost 25,000 students that were with us in our system and have made alternative choices … I want to win back those enrolments,” he said on the program.

Loading

Chief executive of the Association of Independent Schools of NSW Margery Evans, who was interviewed for the program, said it is “unconstructive to yearn for an overseas education model that never existed in this country”.

“I’m pleased that the Secretary of the Department of Education has retracted his unfortunate remarks and acknowledged the important role played by the Catholic and Independent school sectors, who jointly educate 38 per cent of NSW students.

“Not-for-profit Independent and Catholic schools have educated Australian children for 200 years and they continue to grow because they have parents’ confidence and support.

“Australia’s education leaders should focus on making their schools as good as they can be and trust families to decide which school is the best fit for their child,” Evans said.

The Morning Edition newsletter is our guide to the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up here.