Public hearing to examine educational attainment and the foundations of learning

THE  House of Representatives Standing Committee on Education will hold public hearings for its inquiry into the factors driving educational attainment on November 2 and 10.

The hearings will explore how educational attainment is defined, measured and influenced by children's early experiences and development. Leading experts in education and child development, education research and policy, and parents’ groups will help the Committee better understand what is meant by educational attainment and the measures currently used to assess educational outcomes.

Committee Chair, Tim Watts MP, said the hearings would provide important context for the inquiry's examination of the drivers of educational attainment.

"Educational attainment is a term that is widely used, but it can mean different things in different contexts," Mr Watts said. "We want to better understand how attainment is measured, what those measures capture, and the factors that influence outcomes throughout a student's educational journey.

"The committee looks forward to hearing from experts and stakeholders whose evidence will contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors influencing learning outcomes from the earliest years of life through to school subject choices and career pathways," he said.

Public hearing

Date: Monday, 2 November 2026
Time: 10.30am – 4.15pm
Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

Date: Tuesday, 10 November 2026
Time: 10.30am – 3.15pm
Location: Committee Room 1R4, Parliament House, Canberra

There will be a live audio only broadcast of the hearing via the Australian Parliament House website and YouTube.

ends