Qld may report school ATAR scores after backlash

Following anger over a decision to scrap an annual report that details Year 12 results, the State Government is looking at other ways to provide school results to parents.

The State Government will consider reporting the median ATAR score for each school following a decision to scrap an annual report that detailed the results of seniors.

Education Minister Grace Grace yesterday defended the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority’s decision to dump the annual Year 12 Outcomes Report, saying “all stakeholders” had agreed with the reporting decision.

“We’ve established in full consultation with everybody the best way of reporting,” she said.

“This is where we’ve landed.”

Ms Grace said Queensland’s reporting was in line with every state and territory and that schools could provide the information to parents if they required it.

The Minister said extensive consultation had been undertaken, with stakeholders like P & C representatives backing the move.

Education Minister Grace Grace. Picture: Liam Kidston.

But Teachers’ Professional Association of Queensland secretary Jack McGuire said the annual report should continue being released.

“This is just another example of department bureaucrats thinking they know better than parents,” he said.

Queensland Teachers’ Union general secretary Kate Ruttiman backed the move.

“It is something that we support because it’s about individual achievement,” she said.

“It’s not about school performance.”

Ms Ruttiman said there were many other ways for parents to find out a school’s result.