More than $2.4 million will help drought-affected students attending non-government schools in the New England.
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MP Barnaby Joyce said New England Girls' School (NEGS) in Armidale will get the largest share - $750,000 - from the federal government's Special Circumstances Fund.
The remaining funds will be shared among Calrossy Anglican School's William Cowper Campus and Carinya Christian School in Tamworth, Presbyterian Ladies' College in Armidale, The Armidale School, and Scone Grammar School.
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At Carinya, the funds will go towards subsidising school fees for students affected by the drought.
Business development manager Steven Carter said it was "fantastic news" for families.
"The school had been looking to support families in some way but to be able to access funding from the federal government is a great relief," he said.
"It's a small portion of the school community but the drought is affecting people who are primary producers, in addition to livelihoods connected to the agricultural industry.
"We have to illustrate it's being directly passed on to those families and if we don't use all the money for that purpose, we have to return it."
To be able to access funding from the federal government is a great relief.
- Steven Carter, Carinya Christian School
Mr Joyce said non-government schools had been lobbying for the "much-needed help".
"In times of drought, it is essential we ensure that our children continue to receive a world-class education," he said.
"Local non-government schools in New England - including Catholic and independent boarding schools - have been assisting families impacted by the drought by offering fee relief and additional support.
"We also need to support our schools because of the important role they play as a rallying point for our community."
My Joyce said the federal government had doubled the Special Circumstances Fund to $20 million.
"Local Catholic schools in New England will also share in $2,863,539, which has been allocated to Catholic School NSW Limited. Special Circumstances Funds are expected to reach school authorities in the coming weeks," Mr Joyce said.
Non-government schools requiring additional financial assistance in 2020-21 can apply for funding through the Australian Government's Choice and Affordability Fund (CAF) from July.
Drought support for public schools is being administered by the state and territory governments.
