Abstract:
During 1983-84 a detailed study of parental choice of schooling was undertaken in the Australian Capital Territory. The study highlighted the principles underlying the notion of school choice as they are perceived by educational authorities, school admin- istrators and the wider community and identified the range and relative importance of factors which influence parents in the choice of schools for their children. The study concerned choice of both primary and secondary schooling and focussed upon choice within and between the government, catholic and independent sectors of education. This paper presents the major findings of the study, describes the policy implications of the study and political reaction following the study.