The  Council of Australian Governments (COAG) reform council has reported that the percentage of young people across Australia completing Year 12 had increased from 82.8% in 2006 to 85% in 2011.

However, a report released by the reform council said "progress needs to be faster if governments are to reach COAG‘s target of 90% of young people having attained Year 12 or equivalent by 2015". At the current rate of improvement, the report said the target would not be reached until 2020.

The report also found attendance rates had fallen across Australia, with Year 10 students having the lowest rates. In the four years to 2012, attendance rates in NSW fell 2% to 87% and by 1% to 85% in Tasmania. Victoria had the highest Year 10 attendance rates (91% in 2012), while the Northern Territory had the lowest (74% in 2012).