Schools matter when it comes to students’ tertiary entrance rankings and university enrolment, according to a new report, The impact of schools on young people’s transition to university.
Based on the Longitudinal Surveys of Australian Youth (LSAY), the report examines the factors over and above a student’s individual background that impact on university entrance rankings and enrolment.
Published by the National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER), the study finds that a schools’ sector, whether the school is single sex or not, and focus on academic achievement, are among the most influential school characteristics on entrance rankings and enrolment.
For the probability of going on to university – after accounting for entrance rankings – the most influential characteristics are the proportion of students from a non-English speaking background, sector, and the socio-economic status of the student body.
The study also reveals that elements which can be thought of as the fabric or ‘ethos’ of the school, have the most impact on student outcomes outside of individual student characteristics.
These elements are likely to include teacher quality and motivation, educational leadership and the nature of the broader school community.
“The study provides invaluable insights into explaining the influence of schools on student outcomes, over and above a student’s individual background,” said Tom Karmel, Managing Director, NCVER.
“The findings confirm that while individual student characteristics and background are the main drivers for university enrolment and entrance rankings, schools really do matter.
“It is interesting to note that most of the influential school characteristics identified in the study are linked to the ‘culture’ of the school.
“While secondary education is about more than academic goals, for many students, parents and schools there is no doubt that rankings and university enrolment are of high importance.”
The study uses LSAY data which tracks young people aged 15-25 as they move from school into further study, work and other destinations. Analysis of LSAY is produced by NCVER on behalf of the Australian and state and territory Governments with funding provided through the Australian Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
The findings of the research will be presented at the LSAY National Research Forum on Thursday 11 April at the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney.
Copies of The impact of schools on young people’s transition to university are available from www.lsay.edu.au/publications/2541.html.
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