Academic standards and the effective delivery of the academic program remain the primary responsibility of every school. They are the foundation by which parents, staff and students measure educational success. Alongside these, student wellbeing, co-curricular opportunities and holistic experiences in sport and the arts play an important role in shaping outcomes and satisfaction.
MMG Education research shows that perceptions of academic quality are shaped by key ‘drivers’, which differ in importance for parents, staff and students. These consistently influence satisfaction levels and highlight where schools can direct focus.
Quality of teaching
In total, 96% of surveyed parents across Australia identify teaching quality as their top priority.
Quality of teaching is consistently ranked as the number one factor in school choice. Parents value consistency across subjects, effective communication and stability of teachers across year levels.
Classroom behaviour management
Student feedback shows a strong preference for greater structure, discipline and prioritisation of academic achievement.
Disruption caused by a small number of students is a growing frustration. Parents, staff, and students all call for consistent enforcement of behaviour policies, supported by strong leadership and professional development.
Homework expectations
Parents frequently say there is too little homework, while students feel there is too much.
Homework continues to spark debate, with parents often feeling it is too little while students report it as too much. Finding balance requires clarity on expectations and assessments, alongside guidance for parents on supporting learning at home.
Feedback on academic progress
When teachers provide thoughtful, individualised updates, parent satisfaction with academic standards rises significantly.
Personalised communication has the greatest impact on parent satisfaction, especially for students receiving additional support or enrichment. Teacher-parent interviews, detailed reports and specific updates on progress strengthen trust and confidence.
Perceptions of value
Dissatisfaction around unmet expectations of ‘value for money’ have risen from -16% to -24% in just two years.
With cost-of-living pressures rising, families are increasingly sensitive to the balance between education quality and financial investment. ATAR [the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank] and NAPLAN [the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy] results are being closely scrutinised as markers of value.
Conclusion
The key drivers influencing perceptions of academic standards can be summarised as:
- Class size misconceptions
- Communication on academic progress
- Effectiveness of classroom management
- Quality and consistency of teaching
- School leadership
- Staff professional development
- Subject range and options
- Tailored and individual teaching and learning
- Teaching staff anxiety and stress
Identifying the aspects of academic standards under the greatest pressure is essential for schools. By focusing on these drivers, schools can refine leadership support, strengthen teacher-parent communication and sustain academic quality. Regular stakeholder surveying remains critical, offering school leaders with research informed insights to make informed decisions that help protect teacher wellbeing, uphold high standards and meet the expectations of parents and students alike.