Western Australia Education
WA has significant education access challenges across remote and very remote communities. Aboriginal education outcomes remain a critical focus area.
ROGS 2026
System Outcomes — Western Australia
| Indicator | Value | Period |
|---|---|---|
| Attendance rate — Yr 1-10 (%) | 86.9 | 2025 |
| Disability adjustment — extensive (%) | 1.2 | 2024 |
| Disability adjustment — substantial (%) | 3.3 | 2024 |
| Disability adjustment — supplementary (%) | 9.5 | 2024 |
| Participation rate — 15 year olds (%) | 93.3 | latest |
| Participation rate — 16 year olds (%) | 85.7 | latest |
| Participation rate — 17 year olds (%) | 77.0 | latest |
| Primary school enrolments | 184,731 | 2024 |
| Student-teacher ratio (primary) | 15.4 | 2024 |
| Apparent retention — Year 10 to Year 12 (%) | 83.7 | 2024 |
| Secondary school enrolments | 118,412 | 2024 |
| Total school enrolments | 303,143 | 2024 |
| Total government education expenditure ($'000) | 6,325,823 | 2018-19 |
| VET completion — 15-19 year olds (%) | 30.1 | 2024 |
ACARA MySchool
School Landscape — Western Australia
| Sector | Schools | Enrolments | Avg ICSEA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government | 815 | 329,674 | 983 |
| Independent | 162 | 89,730 | 1020 |
| Catholic | 155 | 70,293 | 1020 |
Entity Type Breakdown
| Type | Count |
|---|---|
| charity | 1,222 |
| foundation | 164 |
| indigenous_corp | 150 |
| company | 6 |
| social_enterprise | 4 |
Most Connected Providers
By cross-system relationships
Policy Timeline
Key legislation, inquiries, and reforms
New National School Reform Agreement. All public schools to reach 100% SRS by 2034. Bilateral deals with states.
Focus on culturally responsive teaching, two-way learning, community engagement, and reducing attendance gaps.
Fee-free TAFE extended. University Accord implementation begins. $500M for school infrastructure.
Professor Mary O'Kane review. 47 recommendations including needs-based university funding, fee reform, 80% attainment target.
Cross-jurisdictional plan to address teacher shortages. Initial teacher education reform, mid-career pathways, workload reduction.
Joint declaration by all education ministers. Two goals: promoting excellence and equity, becoming confident and creative learners.
Review to Achieve Educational Excellence in Australian Schools. Focus on growth, tailored learning, evidence-based practice.
Quality Schools Package. $23.5B additional over 10 years. Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) as basis for needs-based funding.
Landmark review by David Gonski. Recommended needs-based funding model. $5B additional annual investment needed.
Oversight & Accountability
Recommendations from inquiries, audits, and commissions
| Body | Recommendation | Status |
|---|---|---|
ANAO National School Reform Agreement Audit | ANAO-EDU-1Improve bilateral agreement transparency — clarify how SRS targets will be measured and reported | partially implemented |
Gonski Review Panel Through Growth to Achievement | GONSKI-1Create an online, formative assessment tool that allows teachers to identify individual student needs and tailor teaching | partially implemented |
Gonski Review Panel Through Growth to Achievement | GONSKI-2Revise the Australian Curriculum to focus on development of deep knowledge, skills and understanding | implemented |
Productivity Commission ROGS 2026 — Schools | ROGS-EDU-1Address widening gap in Year 9 NAPLAN results between metropolitan and remote students | pending |
Universities Accord Final Report | UA-1Set a target of 80% of the working-age population to hold a post-school qualification by 2050 | accepted |
Universities Accord Final Report | UA-2Implement needs-based university funding to replace demand-driven system | pending |