This equity loading supports opportunities to explore practices that have a high impact on student engagement and improved learning and wellbeing outcomes.

In 2025, the socio-economic background equity loading is provided to support approximately 396,000 students in 2,192 NSW public schools.

How is the equity loading calculated?

Schools receive flexible funding and/or staff entitlement. Schools that receive staff entitlement under this loading are schools with existing positions associated with former equity programs.

The loading is based on a combination of student and school needs using the Family Occupation and Education Index (FOEI).

The school’s FOEI score is calculated from information on parent/carer level of school education, highest non-school qualification and occupational category. This data is collected on enrolment forms and recorded through the Enrolment Registration Number (ERN) system. Data is extracted from ERN in early Term 2 each year.

The socio-economic background equity loading is determined by the school's average FOEI score for the past 2 years. The equity loading is allocated to schools by need as identified by their FOEI score. A school with a high FOEI score is a school with a higher level of need.

In addition to the overall school FOEI score, students are also identified as being in a FOEI quarter based on parent/carer education and occupation information. Schools receive funding based on students identified in quarter 1 and quarter 2 of the FOEI. Quarter 1 students are funded at double the rate of quarter 2 students, as research shows they have a higher level of additional learning needs.

Schools must use the equity loading in the year for which it is provided. Schools have a School Excellence Plan (SEP) which includes how the needs of their students will be addressed. Accountability occurs through the school’s annual report.