This research offers significant insights into the intergenerational aspirations of refugee-background families. It highlights the important role of parents in fostering the educational success of their children and their subsequent development as accomplished, confident and respectful young adults.

Facing uncertainty and with much courage, refugee parents in this research have sought peace and safety through resettlement in Australia. Hopes for a better life for their family are often translated into valuing education for their children as the foundation for future possibilities. Like many parents, refugee-background parents hope for a better life for their children and they see the child’s education as crucial in this process. However, the educational outcomes of their children vary.

This research is a small qualitative study of 50 participants, consisting of refugee parents, children and youth and their educators. It investigates the impact of refugee parental aspirations on their children who are doing well academically. As such, we acknowledge the limitation that it reflects the views and experiences of the research participants, rather than all refugee-background migrant families. Yet, the findings provide valuable insights into the importance of the role of refugee parents in shaping the confident and accomplished young adults their children become.

The research has the potential to build a greater understanding between parents, children and education institutions about the contribution that parents make to the academic success of their children. Moreover, the findings can inform best-practice approaches to improve educational outcomes for refugee-background young people.