Membership FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about the services and memberships.

What type of organisation is ASCA?
ASCA is a not for profit member association of schools. The Board consists of current and former school Principals and Business Managers.
Does joining ASCA expose my school to any financial cost or risk?
No.

There is no cost for the school to join ASCA.

Schools that join ASCA are not responsible for ASCA’s debts or obligations.

Like many not-for-profit organisations, ASCA is a company limited by guarantee. This means members agree to contribute up to $10 if the organisation is ever wound up and additional funds are required to finalise its affairs.
This amount is capped by ASCA’s Constitution and would only apply in the unlikely event that ASCA ceased operating.
Which schools are members?
There are approximately 8,500 member schools, with approximately 4,000 using the canteen service, which includes caterers who operate school canteens.

ASCA has members in every state and territory. Members include primary and secondary schools, state, independent, and Catholic schools.
What services does ASCA provide?
School members can access advice on the best value suppliers for the school in various categories.

Most ASCA recommended suppliers provide additional discounts of value-adding services for ASCA member schools.

Similar services are provided to school canteens about canteen suppliers, as well as specific canteen advice, and outsourcing advice. Special member pricing is negotiated from our suppliers for ASCA members.

ASCA offers a rewards program for canteen purchases, events, tradeshows and access to a free Staff Benefits program (ASCAplus) for all member shool staff.
How does ASCA choose suppliers to recommend?
ASCA asks its member schools who they recommend, researches the market for the best value suppliers in the school market, and negotiates with suppliers for additional benefits for member schools.
Do schools and canteens have to buy from ASCA suppliers?
Use of the suppliers is optional. For school canteens, it is important that they use the local distributor recommended by ASCA, as most ASCA discounts are negotiated with manufacturers of food and drink only when supplied by the recommended distributor.
What are the benefits for member schools?
ASCA recommends best value suppliers for schools who already have a strong record in schools, and so helps save the legwork for schools when selecting suppliers. ASCA members get the best prices and conditions from recommended suppliers, and most provide special benefits for ASCA members. When schools buy from ASCA recommended suppliers they indirectly help ASCA fund the education of vulnerable children. ASCA Area Managers are an independent source of information for schools and canteens to utilise.
How does ASCA help vulnerable children?
ASCA profits are placed into a charitable trust, and the income from the trust is donated each year to charities that support the education of vulnerable children. In our 40th Anniversary year in 2019, we donated $250,000, and in 2020, this was increased due to the added needs of these charities in the current pandemic. We have currently raised over $11M for our Charity Partners.
How does ASCA select charities support?
Charities must use the donation from ASCA to support the education of vulnerable children. The ASCA charitable trust has an independent board that selects charities to support. We now support 10 charities, including The Smith Family and St Vincent de Paul.
How do I find out more about ASCA?
More information is available on our website, including how to join ASCA, and how staff can register for various special services. Also, ASCA has Area Managers for each state and territory who are available to assist you.