A recent study has revealed a significant educational crisis for boys in Australia, highlighting a widening gap in academic achievement between male and female students. The report, conducted by the Australian Population Research Institute and authored by David McCloskey, indicates that only a quarter of male students in government schools pursue university degrees, compared to a more substantial percentage of female counterparts.
The findings, based on ten years of census data, underscore the disparities among students from various school systems. In Victoria, just 28 percent of boys who attended government schools in 2011 had obtained a university degree by 2021. This figure is notably lower than the 40 percent of boys from Catholic schools and 51 percent from independent schools who graduated.
The research also highlights the advantages enjoyed by students from private schools. They are approximately twice as likely to secure positions in high-skill professions, such as medicine, compared to their peers in government and Catholic schools. In contrast, boys from Queensland’s government schools achieved the lowest degree attainment rates, with only 17 percent earning a degree.
Implications of Educational Inequity
McCloskey describes this situation as an “education catastrophe” for males, emphasizing that the gap between male and female academic success continues to widen. He argues that the current educational framework contradicts Australia’s long-standing ethos of providing equal opportunities for all. “The fair go is not really there for many, many people,” McCloskey stated, reflecting on the inequities present in the system.
The report also examines the job market implications of these educational outcomes. In terms of securing highly skilled jobs, defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as skill level 1 occupations, girls from independent and Catholic schools performed the best, with 41 percent and 38 percent respectively landing high-skill jobs. Boys from government schools had the lowest rates, at just 18 percent.
Dr. Melinda Hildebrandt from Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute noted that the university education gap has shifted over the decades. In 1986, 11 percent of male school-leavers pursued tertiary education, compared to 8 percent of females. This trend may be influenced by a changing labor market, where women without university qualifications face increased challenges while men dominate well-paid trades.
Potential Solutions and Initiatives
Looking ahead, the report warns that Australia is unlikely to meet its target of having nine in ten school graduates attain a tertiary qualification, as currently only about 55 percent of the working-age population holds such qualifications. Hildebrandt cautioned against assuming that young boys from disadvantaged backgrounds would not find fulfillment in trade jobs, highlighting the need for a broader understanding of educational aspirations.
In New South Wales, a notable exception exists, where government schools are producing a higher number of graduates entering fields such as medicine. The state boasts 47 government-run selective entry schools, significantly more than Victoria and Queensland, which have four and three respectively. These schools are credited with narrowing the gap by providing access to a higher-quality education for talented students from diverse backgrounds.
Efforts are underway in Victoria to enhance the transition of students from government schools into higher education. The government established the Centre for Higher Education Studies in South Yarra in 2022. Principal Stewart Milner reported that approximately 650 high-achieving students participate in this initiative, taking tertiary-level courses while remaining enrolled in their home schools.
Milner emphasized the program’s success in igniting interest in university studies among students. “If this is what university is like, then I can’t wait to do it,” Milner recounted students expressing their enthusiasm for the opportunities presented.
In conclusion, the findings from this comprehensive report signal urgent calls for action to address the educational disparities facing boys in Australia. As the nation grapples with these pressing issues, the need for a more equitable educational framework becomes increasingly clear, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have access to quality education and career opportunities.
