Data, not drama: equity in Australia’s school

Using recent OECD and Australian datasets, this issues brief cuts through misguided commentary surrounding educational equity and highlights Australia’s good standing and progress on international equity measures.

Part 1 identifies the primary drivers of Australia’s educational shortcomings – which are neither funding, the prevalence of non-government schools, or ‘school segregation’ but more important factors, including student attendance, classroom management, and decreasing participation in NAPLAN, particularly among disadvantaged groups.

Part 2 acknowledges that Australia’s successful model of school choice and diversity significantly contributes to the success of the nation’s educational landscape. NSW Catholic Schools have maintained the highest attendance rates for both Indigenous and low-SES students despite the impacts of COVID-19 on school attendance and participation.