This report is based on the 2004 DEST project, High Demand Government Schools, which was prompted by the Department's priority policy interest in quality schooling and 'choices in schooling'. Twenty government schools for which there was high demand for enrolments were selected from across Australia, using the local knowledge of State Education Departments and the Australian Council of State School Organisations. Consultants Phillips KPA Pty Ltd conducted focus groups with parents and senior staff at each of the twenty schools.

The factors drawn out of these discussions suggest that there is no single formula to create a high demand school. While the majority of schools were from metropolitan locations, their profiles varied when it came to size, schooling level, organisational and curricular arrangements. Some emphasised the academic achievement of their students, while others highlighted the range of alternate pathways offered. The research did, however, identify a number of overlapping factors as important in creating a well-rounded learning environment, including: a respectful, caring and inclusive culture; high quality and committed school leaders and teachers; high levels of parental and community involvement; good communication between the school and parents; and effective timetabling and unique structure or organisational features.

Released 28 September 2005