This report draws on 17 years of data from the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) to understand the extent of the learning gaps by student socioeconomic background across Australia and in each state and territory. The research shows clear, consistent and growing gaps between advantaged and disadvantaged students in Australia.

Pandemics, border closures and government reforms of student funding arrangements have resulted in the Australian higher education sector facing some of its greatest challenges. This report is part of a series examining investment in different parts of Australia’s education system, and examines investment over at least a decade to highlight trends and identify policy implications.