Individual,Pre-Migration,and Post-Settlement Factors in Predicting Academic Success of Adolescents from Refugee Backgrounds: a 12-Month Follow-Up

The current study investigated the role of individual, pre-migration, and post-settlement factors in predicting academic success of 62 adolescents from refugee backgrounds with self-reported ages of 11 to 18 years at a 12-month follow-up. Academic success was defined in terms of school retention and academic achievement. School retention was predicted by pre-migration academic English proficiency, whilst engagement in vocational training was predicted by age and pre-migration trauma. Academic scores on elective subjects were predicted by gender and pre-migration trauma. Learning support required was predicted by psychological distress. The findings have important implications for schools and policy-makers in providing resources to facilitate the academic success of adolescents from refugee backgrounds in Australia.