WA Primary Schools Face Highest Student-Teacher Ratios in Australia
New Productivity Commission data shows Western Australia's public primary schools have the highest student-teacher ratio in the nation at 15.2 students per teacher, compared to the national average of 13.7. The figures also reveal WA's secondary schools have the second-worst ratio at 12.8 students per teacher. Opposition education spokesman Liam Staltari said the data confirms longstanding concerns from teachers, parents, and principals about insufficient staffing levels.
According to the latest Report on Government Services, Western Australia's public primary schools are under significant pressure with a student-to-teacher ratio of 15.2 students per teacher—the highest in the nation and well above the national average of 13.7. Secondary schools in the state also struggle with a ratio of 12.8 students per teacher, ranking second-worst nationally. Opposition education spokesman Liam Staltari characterized the data as confirmation of concerns repeatedly raised by educators, parents, and school principals over recent years. He attributed the staffing shortage to WA Labor's decade in power, arguing the government cannot avoid responsibility for the inadequate teacher numbers. The figures suggest systemic challenges in WA's education system regarding resource allocation and workforce capacity.
What's missing
The article does not provide information about WA government's response to these figures, planned remedial measures, funding allocations for teacher recruitment, or comparative historical data showing whether ratios have worsened over time.
What different sources said
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
WA news LIVE: WA primary schools under pressure as student-teacher ratio blows out
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