But the number of full-time equivalent teaching positions in the public system has risen only 7.5 per cent in the same period, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics data.

The data released on Friday shows public school enrolments increased about 17.5 per cent between 2012 and 2017, while Catholic schools recorded only a 1.66 per cent increase and independent schools a 7.19 per cent rise.

The number of Indigenous students enrolled in public increased more than 30 per cent in the same period, from 1177 students to 1559. Catholic schools taught 382 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in 2017 while independent schools counted 90.

Public schools were by far the most popular choice among Canberra parents in 2017. Some 41,886 students attended government schools, followed by the Catholic system with 17,777 students and independent schools with 9726.

Nationally, between 2012 and 2017, government school enrolments increased about 7.8 per cent, Catholic school enrolments 4.11 per cent and independent schools 9.09 per cent.

The figures come as Canberra schools battle with capacity. The Education Directorate last year ordered a review into modelling for fast-growing Gungahlin, while a separate review was undertaken in how best to house students where not enough purpose-built classrooms were available.

One recently-announced method of managing capacity has been to allow NSW students to attend only a few under-capacity ACT schools in Belconnen and Tuggeranong.

The Education Directorate has repeatedly assured every Canberra student wanting to attend a public school will find placement.

Canberra's independent schools have previously attributed a stagnation in enrolments to schools reaching their capacity.