Education and Training Beyond Year 10

From the end of 2007 all students completing Year 10 in Tasmania are required by law to continue participating in education or training until they turn 17 or until they achieve a Certificate III vocational qualification.

The responsibility of ensuring that this is the case rests with parents or guardians.

An exemption will apply for young people who are in regular employment for at least 25 hours per week.

An application can be made for an exemption for special circumstances, for example if they are ill or intend to travel.

The school principal is required to lodge a participation record with the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority (TQA) for each Year 10 student before the end of the school year. This identifies the student’s intended destination for the following year. 

Eligible education or training options for a young person after completing Year 10 include: 

• undertaking study at the Tasmanian Academy or Polytechnic;
• undertaking study at a senior secondary college or district high school;
• undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship;
• undertaking a training course through a registered training organisation; or
• being home educated through registration with the Tasmanian Home Education Advisory Council.

The Tasmanian Government recognises that this requirement obliges schools to more actively prepare students for their future beyond Year 10. Students in State Government schools will have the opportunity to participate in a pathway planning process during their secondary schooling. Year 10 students in State Government schools will develop individual pathway plans with the support of a Pathway Planning Officer in their school. At the end of Year 10 young people will have a plan of what they intend to do when they leave Year 10.

Recent research says that young people who stay in education or training after Year 10 will have more opportunities and more chance of choosing what they want to do. The Youth Participation in Education and Training (Guaranteeing Futures) legislation and supporting programs are aimed at achieving this.

Youth Participation in Education and Training (Guaranteeing Futures) Act 2005

Frequently asked questions relating to this legislation

Application for Dispensation from Participation [Word 119KB]

Application for Review of Decision [Word 115KB]