Radford College’s board has told parents tuition fees will rise by 23 per cent for 2026. Photo: Michelle Kroll.
An independent and confidential review has immediately begun into Radford College’s finances, governance and operations due to “significant” increases in school fees.
Radford College has announced its 2026 tuition fees will range from $16,635 for kindergarten up to $25,950 for Year 12 (excluding other charges), reportedly an increase of 23 per cent.
The college is one of three Anglican Diocese of Canberra and Goulburn ‘company schools’ and has a board responsible for setting fees each year.
But the diocese Bishop Mark Short announced that, due to the number of parents “distressed” by the fee increases and the surrounding circumstances that could result in their children having to attend different schools, the diocese was taking steps to address these concerns.
“The Diocese has limited ability to direct the Board; decisions such as the recent fee increase are taken without input or direction from the Diocese … [however] the Anglican Investment Development Fund (who is a lender to Radford), will be undertaking an independent and confidential financial, governance and operational review so it and Bishop-in-Council can better understand the circumstances leading to the recent fee announcement,” he said in communications to parents.
“Following this review, the Diocese will explore with the Board of the College what measures might possibly reduce the fee impact on families, particularly in 2027 and beyond.”
The overarching governing body within the diocese is the Synod, which meets annually. Its governance responsibilities are exercised by the Bishop-in-Council between these annual meetings.
However, as Radford College Limited is a separately established body to the diocese, the Bishop-in-Council appoints the majority of the College Board, meaning the diocese cannot direct board decisions.
Bishop Short said a petition from a large number of concerned parents was tabled at a recent meeting, which was considered by the Bishop-in-Council and was a factor in the decision to launch a review.
“The review will commence immediately and report in January, with any options arising from it being explored in collaboration with the Board,” he said.
“To this end, it should be noted that the fee schedule remains the responsibility of the Radford Board.”
According to the school’s 2024 annual report, 84.04 per cent of its income by funding comes from parents.
The ACT Government contributes 11.94 percent, the Federal Government 2.32 per cent, and fundraising and interest contributes 1.7 per cent.
University of Canberra Vice-Chancellor Bill Shorten, who is a parent involved with the school, has previously said while he felt the board was trying to do its best with its financial situation, a 23 per cent fee hike was “too big in one hit”.
“I just say to the broader community, where parents choose to send their kids to school is a matter of choice for the families,” he said.
“But one shouldn’t assume that because someone chooses to send their kids to Radford, that somehow you’re rolling in cash … there’s a lot of people on modest incomes, and I think it’s important that we try and look after the kids and make sure they can continue their education at Radford.
“There’s a lot of smart people, there’s a lot of goodwill, I’m sure it’ll work through.”
