This report investigates the attitudes and aspirations of school students about their post-secondary education and work. It is based on data from a survey of over 7000 Years 10, 11 and 12 students in NSW, WA and Victoria. The research found that students' intentions are strongly influenced by socio-economic background, geographical location and gender. The study measured socio-economic background by the highest level of education achieved by parents and found that differences in socio-economic background are the major factor in student perspectives. The report also found that VET does not have a high profile among school students and TAFE courses do not enjoy the status associated with degree courses