Coronavirus WA: Elite girls’ school Perth College announces fee freeze in light of ‘economic challenges’

Elite girls’ school Perth College will freeze its fees for the second year in a row because of the economic impact of coronavirus. The Mt Lawley school — which charges nearly $24,000 a year for students from Years 9 to 12 — announced today it would hold tuition and boarding fees at the same level next year. “This year has been a tough one, with a global pandemic presenting economic challenges for many members of our community,” principal Helen Aguiar wrote in an email to parents. “At Perth College, we understand the financial difficulties the current economic climate presents and are doing everything we can to support our community.” Ms Aguiar said the decision came after Perth College was the only WA private school to freeze fees in 2020, despite some schools increasing their fees by up to 4 per cent last year to reflect rising costs and inflation. She said the school would review expenditure and services to identify savings and carefully manage increasing operational costs. A spokeswoman said the school wanted to provide clarity to anxious families so they could plan for next year.