New information on education policies and priorities across Australia has been released by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) as part of the National Report on Schooling in Australia 2025.
Published on 1 July 2026, the report’s Policies and Priorities chapter outlines initiatives undertaken by the Australian, state and territory governments, along with the Catholic and independent school sectors, to improve student outcomes and strengthen Australia’s education system.
A key focus of the report is the implementation of the Better and Fairer Schools Agreement, which underpins a range of national reforms now underway.
Among the major developments highlighted is significant progress on the National Teacher Workforce Action Plan, including the rollout of teacher scholarships, employment-based pathways into teaching, workload reduction pilots and expanded professional learning opportunities. The report notes that educators now have access to free micro-credential programs designed to support ongoing professional development.
The report also points to substantial reforms in early childhood education, including the establishment of the $1 billion Building Early Education Fund. Additional measures aimed at improving workforce capacity, affordability, access and quality across the early learning sector are also underway.
In literacy and numeracy, governments have accelerated a range of evidence-based reforms. These include the introduction of Year 1 Phonics Checks, early years numeracy initiatives and expanded teaching resources designed to improve student achievement.
Alongside the national reforms, the report highlights significant activity across jurisdictions and non-government school sectors.
Many states and territories have introduced literacy and numeracy initiatives such as phonics screening, numeracy checks and explicit teaching approaches. Efforts to expand access to early childhood education have also continued, supported by workforce initiatives and targeted programs for children and families.
Teacher workforce strategies remain a priority nationwide, with reforms focusing on attracting and retaining teachers, strengthening leadership pathways and expanding professional learning opportunities.
The report also details a range of equity and inclusion measures aimed at supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, learners with disability, students in rural and remote communities, and other priority cohorts.
ACARA is progressively releasing chapters of the National Report on Schooling in Australia 2025 as data becomes available, allowing for more timely reporting on progress against nationally agreed education priorities.
The full report and accompanying data are available through ACARA’s National Report on Schooling data portal.