About ACARA

The vision of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) is to inspire improvement in the learning of all young Australians through world-class curriculum, assessment and reporting.

ACARA was established under an act of federal parliament on 8 December 2008 and became operational in mid-2009. ACARA receives direction from the Education Ministers Meeting (EMM), previously known as the Education Council. Through the EMM, all state, territory and federal ministers of education agree on ACARA’s work plan and set a common direction for the National Assessment Program (NAP).

ACARA’s work involves the 3 pillars of curriculum, assessment and reporting for school education between Foundation* and Year 12. Our work is carried out in close consultation and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including teachers, principals, governments, state and territory education authorities, professional education associations, community groups and the general public. Read more about our work at the ACARA website.



*The term Foundation Year is used as a nationally consistent term for the year of schooling prior to Year 1. It does not replace the equivalent terms used in states and territories – Kindergarten (NSW/ACT), Prep (Qld/Vic/Tas), Pre-primary (WA), Reception (SA) and Transition (NT).