THE federal government will review a proposal to adopt a controversial school model in which privately run schools operate wholly on public funds.

The chief executive of Christian Schools Australia, Stephen O'Doherty, said it had pitched for the so-called charter school model to be introduced in Australia in its submission to the government's review of schools funding.

The model would involve the government funding new independent schools that hired only Christian staff but were open to all students. It could also apply to other religious and non-religious not-for-profit groups.

''We are going to raise the prospect of fully [government] funded schools, based on the charter school model,'' Mr O'Doherty said.

''We think there should be greater opportunities for government to partner with community sector organisations in the provision of quality education services.