A new advisory body made up of public and private education representatives will advise the NSW Government on issues that affect schools in the state.

 

The NSW Schools Advisory Council will provide advice on matters in school education that arise from early childhood, higher education and vocational education and training.

 

It will formalise and strengthen the input the government receives from the school sectors about areas such as national partnerships and issues raised at ministerial councils.

 

Education minister Adrian Piccoli said having all of the school sectors working together in NSW will maintain and improve the already high quality of education available.

 

Membership will be drawn from the Association of Independent Schools, the Catholic Education Commission, the Board of Studies, the Institute of Teachers and the Department of Education and Communities.

 

The inaugural chair will be Dr Brian Croke, executive director of the Catholic Education Commission.

 

The council will hold its first meeting in early 2012 and will meet once a term throughout the year.