Subject: Request for Justification and Reconsideration of the Proposed 5.9% Fee Increase for 2027

As parents and guardians of students attending CREST Education, we appreciate the school's commitment to providing high-quality education and recognise the challenges schools face in managing rising operational costs, staffing expenses, and funding pressures.

We understand that some fee increase may be necessary to maintain educational standards and support the school's ongoing operations. However, we are concerned that the proposed 5.9% tuition fee increase for 2027 is significantly higher than Australia's current inflation rate.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) publication, Consumer Price Index, Australia, July 2026, released on 26 August 2026, the annual Consumer Price Index (CPI) increased by 3.5% in the twelve months to July 2026.

The proposed fee increase is approximately 69% higher than the current CPI rate. While families appreciate the need for responsible financial management by the school, many households continue to face significant cost-of-living pressures.

We respectfully request that the Board:

1. Provide a detailed breakdown of the factors contributing to the proposed 5.9% fee increase.

2. Explain the impact of staff wage increases, operating costs, and any reductions in government funding that have influenced this decision.

3. Outline efficiency and cost-saving initiatives considered before approving a fee increase above CPI.

4. Explain why alternatives more closely aligned with inflation were not adopted.

5. Engage with parents regarding the financial impact of the increase.

6. Reconsider the proposed increase and explore options that balance school requirements with affordability concerns.

ABS Reference: Consumer Price Index, Australia, July 2026. Released 26 August 2026. https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/economy/price-indexes-and-inflation/consumer-price-index-australia/jul-2026