Statement of Expectations

Improving educational outcomes for students across the state continues to be a key priority for the NSW Government.

The Government's aspiration is for every child to receive a high-quality education, which equips them with the knowledge and skills they need to fulfil their full potential in their chosen post-school pathway.

Our success depends on having teachers that are supported, valued, and enabled to focus on their core work - teaching. The role of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) is critical in achieving this. The expectations the Government has set for NESA are designed to support teachers in ensuring that all students in NSW, regardless of their location, have access to quality schools, teaching, syllabuses and assessment.

Building on the successful workload reduction in teacher accreditation, NESA should continue to implement measures to reduce administrative burden for schools and teachers and pursue opportunities to improve efficiency in other areas of NESA's work.

The six points below set out the Government's expectations of NESA from the date of issue to 31 December 2026, to be evaluated in the first half of 2027.

1. Lead a statewide approach to anti-bullying for all schools in NSW

With guidance from Emeritus Professor Donna Cross, utilise the cross-sectoral Anti­ Bullying Working Group to drive a collaborative approach towards the prevention of bullying, including cyberbullying, among students.

Develop a framework to support schools to implement evidence-based prevention and intervention measures to minimise bullying and strengthen school learning environments.

2. Continue to deliver the Curriculum Reform rollout as scheduled

With new syllabuses released for all K-12 mandatory courses, continue the development and release of high-quality syllabuses for the remaining Secondary (7-10) and Senior Secondary (11-12) elective courses.

The new curriculum needs to be delivered in line with the published timetable and with a comprehensive suite of support materials for teachers.

NESA needs to maximise the opportunity for consultation on new syllabuses and provide teachers with sufficient time to provide feedback.

3. Successfully deliver and improve the Higher School Certificate (HSC)

NESA is to consider opportunities to strengthen vocational education and training (VET) pathways for students within the HSC, with a focus on working towards balanced recognition between VET and general education courses.

Complete the review of the HSC Disability Provisions Program and implement recommendations to improve access and equity among students completing the HSC, while reducing the administrative burden on teachers, students and parents/carers.

There is an opportunity for NESA to strengthen and expand international recognition of the HSC. This should be explored with a view to promote HSC offerings internationally to increase its global uptake and improve recognition of the credential among international universities.

4. Implement changes to the regulation of Section 83C of the Education Act

Following the 2024 Review of Section83C of the Education Act 1990 (NSW),NESA will implement changes to the regulation of the not-for-profit provisions of the Education Act.
Changes should focus on providing clearer guidelines and clarification of the legislation and permitted uses of funds by schools.

NESA will support and work with the Non-Government Schools Not-for-profit Advisory Committee in regulating financial assistance provided to non-government schools to ensure those schools are not operating for profit.

5. Action recommendations from the Teacher Education Expert Panel

NESA to implement changes to the requirements for initial teacher education (ITE) in NSW, in response to the recommendations from the Commonwealth's Teacher Education Expert Panel.

Recommendations include the integration of core content in ITE programs, improvements to practical experiences and an expansion of pathway programs into teaching, particularly opportunities for the mid-career workforce.

As part of this work, provide greater support for Conditionally Accredited teachers to enable them to complete their teaching qualifications and become Proficient teachers. Work on improving recognition of prior learning, particularly for aspiring teachers in areas of shortage, such as Technological and Applied Studies.

6. Commitment to Aboriginal Education

Develop and deliver strategies that support the guiding principles of NESA's Commitment to Aboriginal Education, including accountability, reciprocity, recognition, respect, engagement and collaboration, and fostering a culturally responsive environment for staff and education stakeholders.

This will include working in partnership with Aboriginal communities and providing support to schools, service providers and education sectors to improve educational outcomes for Aboriginal children and young people.