Sect's schools flush from parents - and federal funds

Schools run by the Exclusive Brethren sect have received tens of thousands of dollars in Federal Government building grants, even though their parents are among the richest and most generous in the country.

Former principals, teachers and students of the Brethren schools agree the sect is able to raise millions of dollars a year from parents at concerts and auctions, called "fun days". The most recent fun day in Sydney is said to have taken $1.3 million from the city's Brethren members, many of whom run successful businesses. Raising $500,000 is commonplace.

Even so, the Brethren's growing number of schools are putting out their hands for government grants that do not require them to open their books for scrutiny.