The recently released Productivity Commission review of school standards in Australia looks at how well the national policy initiatives by the Australian, state, and territorial authorities have met the goals and outcomes defined in the Agreement. Australia is falling short of delivering high-quality education for all. Despite national efforts, the system remains rigid, outdated, and resistant to deep change. The pandemic only highlighted these cracks. Now, as we consider what a future school could look like, we face an urgent choice: return to the old ways or design something better.
Why COVID-19 Changed the Conversation
The disruption caused by COVID-19 did more than close classrooms. It shook the foundation of schooling itself. For some, the goal became simple: survive, then return to “normal.” But for forward-thinking educators, it opened a window for reflection.
What if the old normal wasn’t good enough? What if we’re being offered a once-in-a-generation opportunity to rethink what school is for?
What the Future School Must Prioritise
If you were to build a new school or refurbish a current one, what would be the driving principles for your design process? What would the future school look like? Here’s what we’ve learned and what should drive how we design the future school:
1. Personalised and Flexible Learning
The pandemic showed us the power—and limits—of digital learning. One size doesn’t fit all. We must embrace:
- Self-paced and student-led learning
- Technology-enhanced personalisation
- Flexible pathways that cater to diverse learners
Technology must serve learning not distract from it.
2. Stronger Social and Emotional Support
Schools are social institutions. COVID reminded us that wellbeing matters just as much as academic achievement.
The future school must:
- Build support systems for student and staff mental health
- Make connection and belonging central to design
- Equip teachers to deliver care, both online and face-to-face
We must fund and plan for virtual and in-person wellbeing as a core function, not a side program.
3. Project-Based and Experiential Learning
Rigid subject silos are giving way to real-world inquiry. The future demands students who can:
- Think critically
- Solve complex problems
- Collaborate and create
The future school will move from passive learning to active doing. Interdisciplinary projects will replace isolated units. Purpose will replace memorisation.
4. Student Voice and Entrepreneurial Thinking
We saw a rise in student voice and agency during the pandemic. Young people took ownership of their learning and pushed schools to respond to climate change, equity, and inclusion.
Future-ready schools will:
- Centre student agency
- Embrace sustainability and civic responsibility
- Develop entrepreneurship through design thinking and collaboration
5. Schools as Community Hubs
Beyond teaching, schools serve as central spaces for families and communities. The future school may offer:
- Adult education
- Childcare and health services
- Community gatherings and events
Learning is lifelong and community-connected.
6. Rethinking Time and Space
Traditional models inclusing fixed timetables, rigid terms no longer serve all learners. Future schools may:
- Shift to year-round or modular schedules
- Offer learning both online and onsite
- Redesign physical spaces to support collaboration, flexibility, and wellbeing
What’s Holding Us Back?
Despite clear signals for change, transformation is slow. Why?
- Compliance culture still drives schooling
- Standardisation discourages creativity
- Leadership gaps leave many schools waiting for direction
The biggest barrier? A lack of bold, visionary leadership willing to challenge the status quo.
The Future School: A New Vision
The future school must be:
- Student-centred—learning tailored to individual needs
- Community-oriented—open, inclusive, and connected
- Globally minded—preparing students for an uncertain, interconnected world
- Creativity-driven—valuing curiosity, innovation, and exploration
- Relationship-focused—where every learner is seen, heard, and valued
Moving Forward
If we want to create a better future for our students, we must stop waiting for change and start leading it.
The future school will not emerge from policy alone. It will come from educators who are ready to redesign, reimagine, and rebuild.
Reflection Prompt:
If you were to design a future school from the ground up, what would be your first three guiding principles?
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