The evidence presented in this discussion paper suggests that the capacity of our school system to act as catalyst for inclusion, equity and opportunity for Indigenous students is weakening. Rather than being places which bring people and communities together, evidence suggests that schools are yet another place where children grow further apart.

Australia is losing the education game. We will not return to the winner’s list until we address inequity in our schools. Funding lies at the core of that inequity.

With education ministers meeting this week to discuss school funding, a close look at the figures reveals large differences between states and sectors

Examining key data from the My School website, this report shows: Equity in schools is declining; Enrollment growth in more advantaged schools is growing strongly while enrolment growth in more disadvantaged schools is well below the national average; A schools hierarchy is hardening along advantage/disadvantage lines - Disadvantaged students are increasingly concentrated in disadvantaged schools...

Australia’s school funding system keeps shifting resources towards non-government schools, and the argument that this saves public money is looking even shakier