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“Independent schools are navigating an increasingly complex risk environment, shaped by regulatory change, technology, and heightened community expectations. This research moves the conversation beyond anecdote, providing leaders with clear, evidence‑based insight into the risks intensifying across the sector and how peers are responding. That shared understanding is critical to strengthening resilience and positioning schools to thrive into the future.”
Lachlan Bowden,
Education Practice leader
25% of schools reported cyber attacks in 2026 — up from 20% in 2024.
94% of schools reported concerns about student mental health; 77% now have a full-time student counsellor, up from 68% in 2024.
Independent school enrolments increased by 15.3% from 2021 to 2025, highlighting continued demand across the sector.
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Navigating the next decade of risk
Independent schools across Australia are operating in an increasingly complex risk environment. Financial pressure, workforce challenges, regulatory change and technology‑driven risks are converging at a time when expectations from students, families, regulators and communities continue to rise. School leaders and boards are being asked to balance educational excellence, wellbeing and long‑term sustainability while navigating uncertainty and constrained resources.
The Aon 2026 Independent Schools Risk Report draws on insights from school leaders across the sector to highlight the risks they see as most material today, how those risks are evolving, and where capability gaps remain. Now in its 11th edition, the report provides a longitudinal view of emerging, persistent and intensifying risks—supporting more informed discussion at leadership and board level.
Independent
Schools
Risk Report
Better Decisions for the Education Sector
Participating schools include non-denominational and religious institutions, Steiner and Montessori-led programs, as well as schools providing special assistance for students at risk.
Where is your school located?
How many students are currently enrolled at your school?
10 Years of Risk
Over the last decade Aon’s Independent Schools Risk Report has delivered insights into the top risk concerns of independent school executives and board members. The chart below tracks the Top 10 risk concerns over this period and demonstrates how the views of respondents have changed. While many risks have persisted over time, the overall risk profile for schools has become increasingly complex, with risks now overlapping and interconnected.
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School Location
The top 10 Risks to Schools
| Risk | Change from 2024 Report | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cyber Risk | No change |
| 2 | Ability to Attract and Retain Talent | 3 |
| 3 | Mental Health of Staff and Students | 2 |
| 4 | Privacy/Data Breach | Previously grouped with cyber risk |
| 5 | Changes to Legislation and Regulation | 4 |
| 6 | Increasing Competition/Declining Enrolments | New to top 10 |
| 7 | Economic Slowdown/Weak Recovery | 5 |
| 8 | Impact of Brand and Reputation Matters | 9 |
| 9 | Allegations of Child Abuse | 7 |
| 10 | Uncertainty Around Future Funding | New to top 10 |
School Location: Regional vs Metro
School Enrolment Size
Respondent Jobs or Roles
