$25million in capital loans for private schools

• Minister approves 2013 round of low interest loans for WA private schools

• Loans provide much-needed source of capital funding

Education Minister Peter Collier today announced funding for 17 new private school capital works projects.

Mr Collier said the funding was part of the State Government's Low Interest Loan Scheme, established more than three decades ago to provide loans to private schools at a heavily discounted rate.

"This scheme enables private schools to undertake a range of building, construction and refurbishment projects, including acquisition of land on to build new schools," he said.

"The Low Interest Loan Scheme is unique to this State and allows private schools in Western Australia to better cater for their individual needs, develop facilities and provide a contemporary and world-class education to students throughout the State."

In the 2013 round, 22 private schools applied for access to the $25million annual loan pool. Approval was granted to eight Catholic school projects totalling $15million and nine Independent school projects to the value of $10million.

Projects to receive funding in the latest round of approvals include a new early learning centre at Holy Cross College in Ellenbrook; and a loan to Port School, one of 10 specialised Curriculum and Re-engagement in Education (CARE) schools in the State.

"The loan to Port School will ultimately be used to develop an integrated learning centre as well as an on-site day care facility, focusing on re-engaging students who have young children or are soon-to-become mothers," the Minister said.

"The projects approved will ensure that loan funds are directed to the neediest segments of the WA private schooling sector, maximising the return on the State Government's investment.

"It is vital to ensure that the education of students in Western Australia is of the highest quality. The scheme highlights the ongoing commitment of the State Government to a diversity of choice in education and its overall support for the private school system."

          Fact File

• Further information on -  Low Interest Loan Scheme   

• Since introducing Low Interest Loan Scheme, about $610million State Government funding has been invested in more than 280 private schools

• Liberal National Government recognises the importance of early childhood education, starting formal literacy and numeracy learning in pre-primary, and making pre-primary compulsory from 2013 to ensure all children have access to high-quality, full-time education at least two years before they start year 1

 Minister's office  - 6552 6300

    The 2013 projects approved for funding under the Low Interest Loan Scheme are: