Catholic school graduates, on ­average, are more likely to be ­employed, earn higher wages and have higher life satisfaction and better general health compared with those from the government sector, according to a new analysis of national data.

The research, commissioned by the Victorian Catholic Education Authority, found the average wage difference ranged from 4 per cent to 11 per cent, and people who had attended Catholic schools were more likely to work in a job that directly benefited the community.

It also said the data, based on the Household, Income and ­Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, pointed to producing people who were more likely to donate to charity.

The independent sector outranked the Catholic sector on ­issues such as real hourly wages.

The research was undertaken by the Centre for International Research on Education Systems at Victoria University and will be used to bolster the argument of the net positive impact of the non-government sector during the next round of school funding ­negotiations.

There is huge pressure on governments in Australia’s largest cities to provide new schools in growth corridors and demand among communities – many emanating from overseas – for a spiritual dimension to education.

VCEA chief executive officer Elizabeth Labone said there was a growing demand for a holistic ­response to education among parents looking for more affordable options.

“By educating the whole person, Catholic schools seek to support the development of well-rounded individuals who will succeed and be happy and confident in the world during and after their schooling, whatever path they choose through life,’’ Professor Labone said.

“Parents are increasingly looking for this kind of holistic ­approach, which is why a growing number of families are choosing one of the affordable Catholic schooling options available across the state.’’

Researchers used the HILDA survey because it tracks data across a range of key areas relating to life in Australia stretching ­beyond just financial success.

The manner in which the ­research was conducted was highly complex and it found that significant differences common among males.

Statistically, significant differences between the Catholic and government sectors were recorded at 95 per cent level of confidence across five labour market outcomes.

The data shows independent schools outscored Catholic and government schools in key areas including real hourly wages.

On life satisfaction, Catholic school attendees narrowly pipped government and independent graduates.

On smoking, Catholic and independent school graduates were less likely to partake compared with government schools.

“Statistically significant effects were identified for all four wellbeing outcomes modelled, albeit with varying levels of significance,’’ the study found.

“Not all effects were positive, which also varied by gender.

“Catholic sector attendance had a positive and statistically significant effect upon life satisfaction scores compared to both government and independent sector attendance.’’

The report also said it could be beneficial for further research to be undertaken, particularly drilling down into the number of years a person attended a Catholic school and in what year levels.

“This research has identified a range of outcomes where Catholic school attendance is associated with a positive effect compared to attending a government or independent sector school,’’ it said.

“From a policy perspective, it would be beneficial to understand what it is about Catholic schooling in Australia that leads to this positive effect.’’