Australia

Education in Australia

Australia’s education system for grades 1 to 12 operates under a federal model, with shared responsibilities between the Australian Government and state and territory governments. The Australian Government provides national policy leadership and funding, while state and territory governments are responsible for the administration, regulation, and delivery of schooling within their jurisdictions. Each state and territory has its own education department overseeing curriculum implementation, teacher accreditation, and school operations. The Education Council, comprising education ministers from all jurisdictions, coordinates national priorities and reforms. Non-government schools are also regulated by state and territory authorities, with additional oversight from national bodies such as the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) and the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL).

Australia’s education standards for grades 1 to 12 are primarily guided by the Australian Curriculum, developed by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). The curriculum sets out nationally agreed learning outcomes, content, and achievement standards across key learning areas. States and territories may adapt or supplement the national curriculum to meet local needs. Teacher quality is governed by the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers, established by the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). Assessment standards are maintained through national testing programs such as NAPLAN. Australia also benchmarks its education standards against global frameworks, including participation in international assessments like PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) to ensure alignment with global best practices.