A new report is calling for state and federal governments to spend $1bn on small-group tutoring to prevent students from falling behind.

The Grattan Institute’s Tackling Under-Achievement Report recommends all schools provide small group tutoring to students who need it.

The recommendation comes after the Grattan Institute’s analysis of the 2022 NAPLAN results found the gap between the highest achieving and lowest achieving students in maths and reading doubles from year 3 to year 9.

Education program director at the Grattan Institute, Jordana Hunter, says “it’s far better to intervene early” and small-group tutoring shouldn’t be reserved only for those students whose parents can afford it.

“What we’re suggesting is that making sure that all students can learn effectively is really the core business of schools, and if some students do need that additional small-group tutoring support they should have access to that inside schools.”

Press PLAY below to hear what the report recommends