Australian Schools Plus: Driving education opportunities to overcome inequality

Thousands of Australian children facing disadvantage are missing out on opportunities to reach their full potential, and through no fault of their own.

These students, often in under-resourced communities, grapple with systemic barriers that extend far beyond the classroom. Limited access to learning resources, fewer specialist teachers, cultural disconnection, families in financial stress, and challenges in navigating education, health and social services are just some examples of barriers children can face.

These obstacles create an uneven playing field that can stifle children’s learning and development, and their wellbeing and future.

Australian Schools Plus (Schools Plus) is a national not-for-profit organisation established in 2014 in response to the 2011 Gonski Review, which highlighted the deep and persistent education inequities across Australia.

Grounded by the belief that every child deserves every opportunity to thrive, we’re committed to giving all children access to quality education and breaking entrenched cycles of disadvantage affecting communities nationwide.

Collaborative partnerships for sustainable change

Schools Plus takes a systems-level approach that unites schools, governments, sectors, and philanthropy. By co-designing with entire education systems, we drive strategic place- based change that lasts, giving children and young people the opportunities they deserve.

Our strategic partnerships enable us to extend our reach and scale our programs to influence systematic change while ensuring programs are responsive to the unique challenges of each school community we partner with.

By aligning philanthropic efforts with educational needs, we ensure that investments lead to tangible and lasting change.

Strategic programs

Our work is focused on five key strategic programs that address the most pressing challenges facing Australia’s education system.

1. Learning gaps: giving children the resources they need to build future-focused skills in literacy, numeracy, and STEM, and build positive learning behaviours to be lifelong learners.

2. Wellbeing: helping children to experience positive and holistic wellbeing that supports them to engage in learning and improve their lives throughout school and beyond.

3. First Nations children: giving First Nations children access to culturally inclusive education that helps them to walk confidently and thrive in two worlds.

4. Rural, regional, and remote children: providing children in geographically isolated areas with equitable access to resources, teachers, and technology to help them thrive alongside their urban peers.

5. Crisis and climate resilience: providing immediate and long-term support to children affected by crises to reduce the impact on their learning and wellbeing.

Impact and reach
Since 2014, Schools Plus has:
• raised $72 million to give more than 550,000 children and young people across Australia more education opportunities.
• supported over 1,800 schools to improve student learning and wellbeing, and create lasting change in their communities.

Case study: Schools Plus providing opportunities for students to learn from the land.

Over the past two years, Schools Plus has partnered with a regional Queensland secondary school on a groundbreaking program that has transformed student engagement.

The program blends Indigenous knowledge, digital technology, and project-based learning to foster 21st-century skill building combined with a deep appreciation for environmental sustainability.

Attendance on project days rose by 70 to 80 percent, while behaviour referrals dropped by 20 to 30 percent. The program’s environmental restoration efforts included planting 3,500 trees to rehabilitate local areas and cultivating 5,000 seedlings to expand the school’s nursery and support Indigenous plant propagation.

On Country excursions and outdoor learning experiences have strengthened students’ cultural connections and provided valuable work experience opportunities.

The initiative has engaged 7,000 community members
in the past year, building strong partnerships with local Indigenous and environmental groups, deepening community ties and support.

Students are now co-leading a carbon offset project with First Nations Rangers and their local council. Students are supplying plants they’ve grown, and are using drones, QR codes, and geo-tagging tools to monitor the site, leaving a legacy for future generations.

Investing in education equity

As Australia continues to grapple with educational disparities, organisations such as Schools Plus plays an increasingly vital role in supporting equitable access to learning. By working across systems and with schools in under-resourced communities, Schools Plus contributes to long-term improvements in student outcomes, community engagement, and the broader education landscape.

These efforts highlight the importance of targeted, strategic support in closing the opportunity gap for children experiencing disadvantage.

Since its establishment in 2014, Australian Schools Plus has supported thousands of children and young people across the country by addressing some of the most significant barriers to education.

Through collaborative partnerships, tailored support, and place-based innovation, Schools Plus is helping to create a future where every child, regardless of background or location, can access the education and opportunities they need to thrive.

02 880 0296
[email protected]
schoolsplus.org.au