Requiring participation in 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 and training until they turn 17.  They may leave earlier if they gain a senior secondary or vocational qualification.

This does not mean all young people have to attend school after Year 10 but it does mean that they will need to be in some sort of education or training for two years or until they turn 17. This might mean:

• attending college or a district high school;
• enrolling at TAFE Tasmania;
• undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship; or
• doing a training course through a private provider.

Full time employment (for more than 25 hours each week) is recognised as a legitimate alternative. There are also exemptions for special circumstances, for example illness or injury.

The Tasmanian Government recognises that this requirement obliges schools to more actively prepare students for their future beyond Year 10.  As a result Year 8, 9 and 10 students in State Government schools 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 will be doing 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.

For more information about Education and Training beyond Year 10, contact the Principal of your school.

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

Frequently asked questions - Leaving Age Legislation

Application for Dispensation from Participation [Word 119KB]

Application for Review of Decision [Word 115KB]