The Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia is the peak body representing independent schools in Western Australia. It has 150 member schools which enrol some 59,000 students; accounting for 16% of Western Australian school enrolments.
Independent schools are diverse in nature and serve a range of different communities. Many 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 institutions and are governed independently.
Our Vision
For independent schools to be acknowledged and recognised as valued
providers of education to Western Australian children.
Our Mission
To promote a strong independent school sector which offers high quality
education appropriate to the needs of Western Australian children.
In working toward this mission, AISWA will serve all Western Australian independent schools, their pupils and their communities by:
- Promoting independence of philosophy, vision, governance and management.
- Supporting schools in their mission through fostering good leadership and governance.
- Representing the interests of schools to governments and government departments.
- Collaborating with all other educational agencies and authorities.
- Supporting school leaders and teachers through the provision of curriculum support.
As an Association we believe that:
- All children have a fundamental right to an education which provides them with the opportunity to attain their full intellectual and personal development.
- Parents have the prior right to choose the type of education their children are to receive and are entitled to appropriate financial assistance from the government to enable them to exercise this choice.
- Independent schools should be able to determine their own goals and priorities.
- Independent schools should be able to choose their curriculum and teaching methods within the framework required by government.
- Independent schools should be able to employ staff whose values are in harmony with the school's goals and philosophies.
- Collaboration, communication and sharing between schools strengthens schools.
- Governments should not only encourage, but actively support, the choice and diversity of independent schools.
- Government consultation with the non-government sector should occur on all policy issues affecting education.
The Strategic Plan will be achieved through three key processes:
- An annual business plan which provides for the delivery of services to schools.
- An annual survey of the relevance of services provided to members.
- Establishing priorities for the Secretariat on an annual basis.
The term of the Strategic Plan will be three years prior to review, however; the principle activities identified will be subject to annual review.
