The Schools Unique Student Identifier (USI) implementation is part of the Authority’s priority to actively promote a high level of community confidence in the Western Australian Curriculum and Assessment Outline and the WACE through conduct and stakeholder engagement that is ethical, transparent, and in the public interest.

Through the Schools USI, the Authority is meeting its commitment to:

• Maintain effective communication and working relationships with all stakeholders and partners through measures such as collaboration and consultation.
• Continue to promote understanding of the role and responsibilities of the Authority.
• Contribute responsively and effectively to national and State policy debate on matters related to the Authority's functions.
• Implement effective information controls and conduct regular security audits to prevent data breaches and unauthorised disclosure.
• Fortify our resilience to cyber threats, emphasising the responsible stewardship of personal information.
• Maintain effective and secure communication with all stakeholders and partners, upholding their trust in our management of personal and sensitive information.

Background

Australian primary and secondary students will soon receive a unique national identifier called the Schools Unique Student Identifier (USI). This identifier issued by the Australian Government is intended to travel with students throughout their school years and into post-school education.

Vocational education and training (VET) and higher education students in Australia receive a Unique Student Identifier (USI). Australian education ministers have agreed to extend USIs to all primary and secondary school students Pre-primary to Year 12. The Australian Government plans to introduce the Schools USI from 2027.

The Australian Government is establishing the Schools USI to support schools and parents when enrolling students who move between states and territories. It is also intended to help when students move from school into further education and training.

Western Australian student number

The School and Curriculum Standards Authority (the Authority) provides a Western Australian student number (WASN) for students from Kindergarten (when registered at a school) to Year 12. The Authority administers the WASN.

The Authority will work with the Australian Government to link the Schools USI to the WASN and will communicate the Schools USI to schools for their students. This will reduce workload impact for schools.

The WASN will continue to be the key student identifier for schools in WA.

Survey

In June 2025, the Australian Government surveyed a representative sample of parents and carers about the Schools USI to aid in designing clear communications regarding this project.