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AISWA Strategic Plan
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AISWA Strategic Plan 2010-2014

The Association of Independent Schools is the peak body representing independent schools in Western Australia. It has 152 member schools which enrol over 70,000 students, accounting for approx 16% of Western Australian school enrolments.

As a sector, independent schools are diverse in nature. They provide for students of all abilities and all social and ethnic backgrounds. They provide quality schooling for a wide range of communities, including some of Western Australia's most remote and disadvantaged Indigenous communities, communities in regional towns and diverse communities in Perth.

Many member schools espouse a religious or values-based education, while others promote a particular educational philosophy. They are all registered through the Office of Non-Government Education. Member schools of the Association are not-for-profit and are governed independently.

Our Vision

For independent schools to be acknowledged and recognised as valued providers of education in Western Australia.

Our Mission

To promote a strong independent school sector which offers high quality education appropriate to the needs of Western Australian children.

To fulfil our vision and mission, the Association has developed a Strategic Plan that will support schools in the independent sector and lead to increased recognition of the value the independent sector provides to all Western Australians.

Strategic Plan

Communicate our purpose and role to members, governments, stakeholders and the wider community.

  • Communicate our role and purpose to members through conferences, information sessions and ongoing regular communication.
  • Strengthen our relationship with the State and Federal Ministers for Education and relevant opposition party personnel.
  • Maintain a strong relationship with the other education sectors and other education stakeholders.

Establish high levels of engagement from members, interest groups and system authorities within the independent sector.

  • Provide a level of service to members which they find useful that meets their needs and enables them to effectively and efficiently fulfil their role.
  • Partner with other education groups (e.g. universities) to enhance our level of service to members.
  • Meet with the system authorities within the sector on a regular basis and assist them meet their members' needs.

Provide high quality services that support excellence in independent schools and their school communities.

  • Ensure schools are fully informed of emerging issues and changing policy directions so they can plan to ensure excellence.
  • Work with schools to identify what services will assist them in raising their service to their school community.
  • Continue to enhance the support AISWA provides schools to meet compliance and registration requirements.
  • Continue to engage external expertise to ensure members receive the highest quality service.

Effectively represent and be an advocate for the independent sector.

  • Ensure decision makers at all levels understand the independent sector and include the sector in consultations and requests for advice.
  • Proactively ensure governments and the broader community understand the contribution independent schools make to society and the economy, and the savings independent schools provide the broader community.
  • Represent the interests of independent schools effectively in all forums.

Support schools in their mission through fostering good leadership and governance.

  • Provide ongoing support to school governors through conferences and seminars.
  • Develop links with universities to provide ongoing professional learning for leaders and aspiring school leaders.

Be an active player in the education agenda at the state and national level.

  • Participate in state and national forums and consultations to ensure the interests of the independent sector are taken into account during policy planning and decision making.
  • Communicate with (not for) state and federal government ministers and bureaucracies to be pro-active in raising issues that impact member schools.

Promote the independence of schools and protect their autonomy in ways that contribute to the diversity of educational options for students.

  • Ensure all stakeholders understand the diversity of schools in the independent sector and value the contribution schools make to the rich fabric of our society and the economy.

Develop unity among the schools in the independent sector and establish partnerships with governments and non-government organisations for the benefit of schools and the young people in their care.

  • Continue to build partnerships between schools, sectors of other educational institutions for the benefit of member schools.

Ensure AISWA has the appropriate resources to provide relevant, exemplary and creative services to member schools.

  • Ensure planning for the operation of AISWA considers the services provided to schools, and the adequate resourcing of these services.
  • Continue to budget so that all cost areas contribute equitably to the infrastructure and running costs of AISWA.