Research messages brings together research publicly released by NCVER over the year. The 2017 compilation reflects an extensive collection of NCVER research activities undertaken during 2017, comprising of reports, summaries, infographics, occasional papers, presentations and webinars.

This resource presents a summary of statistics relating to young Australians aged 15 to 19 years who participated in an education and training activity during 2016. Information on participation is presented for school students, higher education students, apprentices and trainees, and vocational education and training (VET) students.

Much effort has been put into developing resources, frameworks, policies and programs to support and engage students. This work is important and has helped many students, but by listening to the voices of children and young people, it is clear there is more to be done to create a truly responsive and equitable education system.

NAPLAN data provide parents, schools, governments and the non-government school sectors with important information about whether young Australians are reaching important educational goals.

Looking at over a decade of education expenditure, it is clear that governments are not approaching education investment in a coherent and thoughtful way. We see ad hoc, piecemeal spending across the system.