If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
You don't need to be Catholic to belong.
Catholic schools offer character formation that respects the religious and non-religious backgrounds of all students. Day to day, faith shows up through kindness, resilience, service to others, and a genuine sense of belonging, built through learning and social justice programs that let kids make a real difference.
The curriculum looks a lot like you'd expect.
Catholic schools teach the NSW curriculum and are proud of the academic achievements of our students. Religious Education is designed for students of any religious or non-religious background. For those students who are Catholic, it aims to support them in understanding their faith. For other students, it aims to help them learn more about a Catholic understanding of life.
Academic results speak for themselves.
Catholic schools consistently punch above their weight - strong HSC results, dedicated teachers and a genuine sense of community that means every student is known and supported.
The benefits last well beyond graduation.
A 2025 study using HILDA data found Catholic school graduates were, on average, more likely to be employed, reported higher life satisfaction and better general health, were more likely to donate to charity, and earned a 4-11% wage premium vs government-school peers after controls.
And the fees question - it's more affordable than people assume.
Catholic education isn't the exclusive, expensive world some parents imagine. Fees are kept as low as possible, with families paying less each day than they'd spend on everyday essentials like lunch or parking. Sibling discounts are available, flexible payment plans are standard and schools work with families experiencing genuine financial hardship. No family is turned away simply because of their inability to pay.
The bottom line:
Catholic schools today are inclusive, high-achieving, values-driven communities. The best way to see what one is really like is to experience it firsthand. Attend an open day or speak with staff about the programs and community that make each school unique.
Curious what this looks like in Western Sydney and the Blue Mountains?
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) is a community of 80 schools where every family is welcomed and supported to thrive. With affordable fees, high-quality learning programs, state-of-the-art facilities and a strong focus on wellbeing and belonging, CSPD schools empower every child to strive for greatness.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
www.parra.catholic.edu.au
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07 Jul 2026
From Facebook
We wish all our students and families a restful and refreshing break! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 21st July, ready for another great term of learning and growth.
LATEST NEWS More news
17 Jul 2026
What's It Really Like to Send Your Kid to a Catholic School?
If you've ever assumed that attending a Catholic school means you have to be Catholic and that the fees are expensive, you're not alone. It's a common perception, but for many families, the reality looks quite different.
08 Jul 2026
CSPD students recognised in Refugee Week Creative Competition
Over 125 students from 10 Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese (CSPD) schools have been recognised for their empathy and powerful storytelling as part of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) Australia Refugee Week Creative Competition.
07 Jul 2026
From Facebook
We wish all our students and families a restful and refreshing break! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 21st July, ready for another great term of learning and growth.
02 Jul 2026
From Facebook
๐ต๐ด We may have aged 100 years overnight! ๐ Our Kindergarten students celebrated 100 days of school by dressing as 100-year-olds, and they certainly looked the part! While they may have looked 100 today, they're only 100 days into an amazing journey of learning, friendship and growing in God's love. We can't wait to see what the rest of the year brings! ๐โจ Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese #100DaysOfKindergarten #AgedToPerfection #GrowingInGodsLove
29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
โฝ๐๐ Future Socceroos in the making! Kindergarten had a fantastic time stepping into the boots of the Socceroos, giving it their best shot and dreaming big! From their stadium walk-on to showing off their soccer skills, our youngest students embraced the challenge with confidence, teamwork and plenty of Aussie spirit. Who knows? We might just have the next generation of Socceroos right here at St Finbar's! ๐ฆ๐บโฝ
29 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Our students recently had the wonderful opportunity to attend the St Vincent de Paul Encounter Day at St John Paul II Catholic College, Schofields. Facilitated by St Vincent de Paul, the day provided students with a deeper understanding of the history and mission of the organisation, how it began, and the important role of Conference members in supporting people experiencing hardship. Students also explored the realities of homelessness, including the different forms it can take, current statistics, and practical ways individuals and communities can make a positive difference. The day was both inspiring and thought-provoking. Our students returned feeling energised and motivated to continue promoting Faith in Action within our school community, putting their faith into practice through service, compassion, and advocacy for those most in need.
28 Jun 2026
From Facebook
โฝ๐๐ Socceroos fever hit St Finbar's on Friday! Our students embraced the excitement, proudly showing their green and gold spirit as they cheered on the Socceroos. There was plenty of energy, enthusiasm and smiles across the school, with everyone getting into the Aussie spirit. A special highlight was Kindergarten, who created their very own stadium experience, complete with player entries and match tickets! What a fantastic way to celebrate together and make learning fun. ๐ฆ๐บโฝ
28 Jun 2026
From Facebook
Congratulations to our Principal's Award recipients! ๐ We proudly celebrated our Principal's Award recipients, recognising students who consistently live out our school Charisms and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. Through kindness, respect, compassion and perseverance, they inspired those around them each day. These students demonstrated that a growth mindset is about believing in themselves, learning from challenges, and striving to be the best version of who they can be. We are incredibly proud of the positive example they set within our St Finbar's community.
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
๐ Tinnies for Vinnies Winter Appeal ๐ Last week, our school community came together to support the St Vincent de Paul Winter Appeal through our Tinnies for Vinnies collection. A heartfelt thank you to all the families who generously donated and helped make a difference to those in need this winter. It was wonderful to see our students embracing the spirit of the day by wearing their pyjamas and showing compassion and generosity in action. A special thank you to Mrs Farrugia and the staff and students who represented our school at the Vinnies Sleep Out alongside students from other local Catholic primary schools. We are grateful for opportunities to live out our faith, serve others, and connect with the wider community through initiatives such as these. #TinniesForVinnies #WinterAppeal #CommunityInAction #FaithInAction #StFinbarsSchool ๐๐ค Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese
11 Jun 2026
From Facebook
We proudly congratulate Mrs Kym Romanous on her appointment as Principal of St Finbar's. We are grateful for her leadership and the way she embodies our charisms each day, inspiring our community through faith, compassion, and service. We look forward to her continued leadership as she guides our school in living out these values and supporting every student to thrive. Congratulations, Mrs Romanous!
04 Jun 2026
What Your Child Really Learns in the First 100 Days of School
One moment your child is holding your hand at the school gate and before you know it, they're walking in confidently, greeting friends by name, carrying their own bag, and coming home full of stories about 'assembly' and 'sport'. Hereโs what to expect in their first 100 days of Kindergarten.