Current national student, school, affiliation and student-to-teaching-staff figures.
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Education in Australia
DATA2025
4.161m school students · 9,673 schools · state and territory delivery
Australia combines national curriculum and funding frameworks with state and territory responsibility for running school systems. The Australian Bureau of Statistics counted 4,160,918 students across 9,673 schools in 2025. Compulsory school-entry and leaving ages vary by state and territory. ABS 2025 preschool methodology shows compulsory starting ages ranging from 5 to 6.5 depending on jurisdiction, so a single national starting age would be misleading.
School students
4.161m*
Schools
9,673*
Government-school share
62.8%*
Student-teacher ratio
12.8:1*
Australia Education System
| Stage / measure | Structure | Current interpretation | Important note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early childhood | Preschool / kindergarten terminology varies | Generally before full-time school. | Optional nationally, with preschool support arrangements. |
| Primary school | Foundation/first year through primary years | Compulsory school stage. | Naming and start arrangements vary by jurisdiction. |
| Secondary school | Lower and senior secondary | Compulsory age limit varies by state/territory. | Generally continues through Year 12. |
| VET | Vocational education and training | Can overlap with senior secondary study. | Post-school and school-linked routes. |
| Higher education | Universities and other providers | Post-secondary. | Separate from school statistics. |
* Reference period is shown with the figure.
State and territory responsibility
Under Australia's constitutional arrangements, state and territory governments provide school education, own and manage government schools, and register non-government schools. The Australian Government provides major funding and national policy frameworks but does not operate schools.
Current school numbers
ABS reports 4,160,918 students enrolled across 9,673 schools in 2025. Government schools enrolled 62.8% of students, Catholic schools 20.0% and independent schools 17.2%. The average student-to-teaching-staff ratio was 12.8 to one.
Compulsory age varies by jurisdiction
School-entry rules are set by jurisdictions. ABS 2025 methodology lists different compulsory entry ages across the eight states and territories, and later participation requirements also vary. The page therefore does not print one national compulsory-age range.
National curriculum, local delivery
The Australian Curriculum provides a national Foundation to Year 10 framework, but state, territory and non-government authorities decide implementation details such as timelines and classroom delivery. National consistency and jurisdictional responsibility operate together.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many school students were enrolled in Australia in 2025?
ABS reported 4,160,918 students.
How many schools were there in 2025?
ABS reported 9,673 schools.
What share of students attended government schools?
62.8% in 2025.
Is there one compulsory school-leaving age across Australia?
No. Compulsory entry and later participation requirements vary by state or territory.
Who runs government schools?
State and territory governments own and manage government schools.
Does Australia have a national curriculum?
Yes. The Australian Curriculum provides a national Foundation to Year 10 framework, while jurisdictions are responsible for delivery.
Sources and Methodology
Official explanation of state and territory responsibility for school education.
National Foundation to Year 10 curriculum framework and jurisdictional implementation.
ABS 2025 methodology documenting jurisdiction-specific compulsory school-entry ages.