The Australian education system is considered one of the best education systems in the world, for both domestic and international students. It enjoys high standards, a comprehensive curriculum, and highly qualified teachers.
Here we take a look at the history and evolution of the education system in Australia, including education facts and statistics you should know.
We will also share unique ways you can gain new skills as an education provider, plus create a more interesting and inclusive learning experience for your students.
Education in Australia is similar across all six states – Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Western Australia, including two territories, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory, known as the Commonwealth Territory, with only minor variations between states and territories.
Formal schooling in Australia is divided into four educational stages – early childhood education, primary education, secondary education, and tertiary education. Australia is the third-largest provider of education to international students.
Australia’s first education system was an Indigenous education. Knowledge of spirituality, cultural values and societal obligations were orally shared among First Nations clan members to ensure the continuation of family heritage and traditions.
Aboriginal children were taught skills that would enable them to find shelter, including hunting, gathering, and fishing methods, to ensure their survival.
Education changed when, in 1787, eleven ships sailed from Great Britain to Australia to create a penal colony of European settlers, known as the First Fleet. Fifty children were aboard.
By 1792 the first two schools opened in New South Wales. The education system mimicked that of England and the philosophies of the Anglican Church.
Consequently, the first schoolmaster in the colonial chaplain was Reverend Richard Johnson. His educational efforts came in the form of sermons and a variety of moral and biblical tracts. This essentially began the tradition of non-Indigenous education in Australia.
As a result, of the diverse beliefs of further arriving convicts and colonists, the first religious schools began to emerge, including, Catholic, Methodist, and Presbyterian.
In 1860, alongside an improved education system, there was the opening of universities in Sydney and Melbourne.
By the 19th century, private education also bloomed, as it was the only option for those seeking university degrees. As a result, approximately one-third of all school students attended private schools.
By the 20th century, changing policies made schooling accessible and open to all members of society. This saw students attending school beyond the compulsory schooling age.
In the 21st century, secondary schooling is being completed by most demographic groups. University has become accessible to a diverse group of students, many of whom wouldn’t have access to such options a few decades ago.