This issues brief addresses commentary surrounding educational equity and highlights Australia’s good standing and progress on international equity measures. It shows Australia consistently ranks above the OECD average in both excellence and equity. 

Part 1 of the paper 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 of the paper argues that Australia’s 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.