Educational opportunity

All Australians should have the right to quality education; however, too many young people are disengaging from school and missing out on vital education opportunities.

We look across the education sector from early childhood to primary and secondary school, and the transition to higher education and vocational training. We are asking how well education systems are working and for whom, to determine what needs to change to ensure all Australians have access to quality education from early childhood to tertiary studies.

Key contacts

Hannah Matthews

Policy Fellow

A model for tertiary education funding in Australia

28 October 2015

Mitchell Professorial Fellow Peter Noonan proposes a new model for tertiary education funding in Australia, in a presentation delivered to the Australian Financial Review Higher Education Summit on Wednesday 28 October.

We can't afford to delay action on educational opportunity

28 October 2015

Mitchell Institute Director Dr Sara Glover outlines four ways we can extend educational opportunities to all young people in Australia.

Senior school years: School completion uneven across Australia

26 October 2015

Australia still has a high number of young people not completing Year 12 or equivalent by age 19. At this point, achievement is affected by whether a student attends an urban, regional or remote school.

Socio-economic disadvantage & educational opportunity persistently linked

26 October 2015

Despite Australia’s commitment to equity and opportunity for all, a student’s family background still plays an unacceptably large role in determining his or her educational pathway.

Early years: Gaps in educational opportunity evident at school entry

26 October 2015

A child’s readiness to learn when they enter school and their school’s capacity to meet their needs has a major impact on how they progress throughout their school years.

Middle years: Achievement gaps widen at Year 7

26 October 2015

The middle years of schooling are an important stage for students to build on their foundations and develop the capabilities and confidence for future learning and academic achievement.

Post-school years: Many 24-year-olds marginalised but second chances help

26 October 2015

Just over one-quarter of all young Australians at the age of 24 are not engaged in full time work, training or study.