Why Do Catholic Schools charge fees?
To ensure high quality and cost-effective education services are provided for all students, our funding from the State and Commonwealth government is supplemented by school fees. The fees comprise of tuition fees, which is determined by Cairns Education Services and levies which are determined by the College. Parents and caregivers have an obligation to pay fees as they fall due, however no child will be deprived of a Catholic Education because of the genuine financial difficulties of his or her family. Newman Catholic College strives to be as affordable as possible so that those wishing to access a Catholic education can do so.
Multi-student/school family discount
Families with more than one child in the same or other primary or secondary Catholic schools in the Cairns Diocese receive tuition fee discounts for the second, third and subsequent children. This information is collected by the school at the time of enrolment and the discount is automatically applied.
Pensioner and health care card holder fee discount
Cairns Catholic Education offers a means-tested concession card discount. Parents/carers with a current means-tested Australian government health care or pensioner concession card are eligible to receive a 70% discount to tuition fees (does not apply to school levies).
Card holders are required to advise the College of their concession card at enrolment or when the card is gained. Once the card is sighted by the school’s administration, tuition fees for future terms will be adjusted. This scheme is intended to assist those families who genuinely do not have the financial capacity to pay tuition fees in full.
Special consideration
Families without a means-tested concession card who are experiencing genuine financial hardship in paying fees should speak with the Principal or Parish Priest to apply for special consideration. These requests are treated with respect, dignity and confidentiality.
For more information on Fees, Discounts and other relevant documents please find the below documents or visit the Catholic Education website.
If you have any queries, or need assistance in calculating payment plans, please contact the College Finance Department on accounts.newman@cns.catholic.edu.au.
