A questionnaire survey in New South Wales (Australia) provided the basis for this discussion of the implications of public opinion for future educational policy. The report supports the use of systematic surveys to contribute information to the blend of knowledge, experience, and awareness of future trends policy makers rely on to reach decisions. The data for the survey were drawn from 1341 interviews conducted in Sydney and six country towns. Much of the data is descriptively presented where a high degree of consensus is evident. Items eliciting a wide range of responses were analyzed according to subgroups (urban or rural, male or female, married or single) and selected demographic characteristics. Questions on the questionnaire were related to the respondents' knowledge about government, private, and independent schools, school ratings, broad opinions about schools, and school goals. Overall, the schools were found to be fairly well regarded. Recommendations include improving communication between policy makers and the public, further research on school climate, investigation of the existing and desired relationships between education and work, and the development of adequate means to assess basic student competencies. (Author/WD)