Jane Caro, a novelist, feminist and social commentator, is challenging the prevailing belief that private education offers a superior path to success in Australia. Amidst a surge in private school enrolments, Caro argues that the perceived advantages of these institutions are largely mythical and driven by systemic social pressures.
The Myth of Private School Superiority
Caro asserts that there are no substantial statistics proving that sending a child to a private school ensures they will do better in life. She attributes this belief to the influence of capitalism and neoliberalism, where higher costs are equated with higher quality.
While more students from private schools enter university, Caro notes that this is a result of student selection processes. She points out that public school students who reach university tend to outperform their private school peers and demonstrate higher retention rates.
Systemic Segregation and the Ruling Class
The current educational landscape has led to what Caro describes as an “oligarchy” at the top of Australian society. She suggests the system creates a ruling class, noting that most politicians and members of the media class attended private schools.
According to Caro, only two prime ministers in the last 50 to 60 years have not sent their children to private schools: Julia Gillard, who had no children, and Anthony Albanese, whose son attended public schools from kindergarten through year 12.
Caro highlights that the OECD has warned Australia about its highly segregated education system. Students are divided not only by social class but also by religion, gender, and ability, which she argues has a devastating effect on disadvantaged children who lose academic role models.
Fear, Hope, and Social Pressure
Caro characterizes public schools as institutions built on hope and the belief that every child deserves an opportunity. In contrast, she describes private schools as “gated communities” driven by fear and the desire to protect children from negative influences.
She argues that the concept of “discipline” in private schools is often a tool to remove students with behavioral or emotional issues—an option not available to public schools, which owe a duty to every child regardless of their temperament.
Caro also discusses the “collusion” between private schooling and middle-class feminism. She suggests some women use the payment of expensive school fees to soothe guilt associated with prioritizing their careers over traditional mothering roles.
The Reality of the Classroom
Despite the systemic critiques, Caro maintains that the quality of teaching is not necessarily different between the two systems. She recalls her own time at Forest High in Sydney, where she felt intellectually stimulated in English classes discussing Patrick White’s The Tree of Man.
Caro suggests that the high-level intellectual discussions often assumed to be exclusive to private institutions are actively occurring in public schools across the country.
Future Implications
The ongoing trend of surging private enrolments could further increase the segregation of students across social and economic lines. This may lead to a continued decline in social cohesion if the gap between “palaces of luxury” and underfunded public institutions widens.
If parents continue to make schooling decisions based on anxiety and peer pressure, the public system may face further challenges in retaining middle-class support, potentially impacting the quality of resources available to the most disadvantaged students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do private school students have better life outcomes?
Jane Caro states there are no substantial statistics to back up the claim that private school students do better in life; she notes that public school students who attend university often outperform their private school peers.
What has the OECD said about Australian education?
The OECD has warned that Australia has one of the most segregated education systems, with students divided by social class, religion, gender, and ability.
How does Caro view the role of “discipline” in private schools?
She argues that “discipline” often means private schools can expel students with emotional or behavioral issues, whereas public schools must work with all children regardless of their behavior.
Do you believe the choice between public and private schooling is driven more by academic goals or social pressure?
