At School 5-18

Leaving School Early

Although there are a host of benefits to completing Year 12 or its equivalent, some students may feel that they are ready to move on from school before the end of Year 12. These feelings can be influenced by many factors, like the challenges of school and homework, social life and home life, and problems with friends. These and other issues can make it particularly hard for young people to make an informed decision about their future – be it staying at school, doing a TAFE course, going to university, or leaving school and trying to find a job.

Parents play an important role in supporting their children and discussing the best career options and choices for the future. If your child is planning to leave school before Year 12, the following information can help you discuss this decision with them:

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What to do if your child wants to leave school before completing Year 12

It is always good to talk to your child about their options before they decide to leave school completely. Encourage them to talk with the careers coordinator at school, or any other teachers they relate to well.

Completing Year 12 in a school environment may not be the best option for your child and there are other alternatives. They can look at options for completing Year 12 (either VCE or VCAL) in other settings - another school, or TAFE or Adult Community Education (ACE) provider.

In any case, young people under the age of 17 are legally required to be in education, training or employment.

Why stay at school?

You are probably already telling your child that having a good education increases their chances of getting a better job in the future. Now we have some research that backs this up.

Research shows that many students who leave school without completing Year 12 earn less when they begin working, and are more likely to experience long periods of unemployment. They are also less likely to return to study later in life.

On average, a child who doesn’t complete Year 12 will earn around half a million dollars less in their lifetime than someone who completes Year 12.

Research also indicates that if young people have trouble finding secure employment by their mid-twenties, they continue to be disadvantaged in many ways, both financially and socially.

So, encourage your child to stay at school or undertake an alternative education or training option.

The legal school leaving age is 17

In Victoria, the compulsory school leaving age is 17 years of age. 

An amendment to the Education and Training Reform Act 2006. This amendment included:

  • a mandatory requirement for all young people to participate in schooling (meaning in school or an approved equivalent) until they complete Year 10; and
  • a mandatory requirement for all young people that have completed Year 10 to participate full-time (defined as at least 25 hours per week) in education, training or employment, or a combination of these activities, until age 17.

For more information, see: New Participation Age Requirements – Frequently Asked Questions

Youth Guarantee

The Education and Training Reform Act 2006 provides a guaranteed place (the Youth Guarantee) in TAFE institutions, the Centre for Adult Education (CAE), Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES) and participating ACE providers to young people who have not completed Year 12 or its equivalent.

While students can start attending a TAFE or ACE provider at 15 years of age, young people must be aged 16 or over to access a guaranteed place in a TAFE institute, the CAE, AMES or participating ACE providers. TAFE and ACE providers have discretion as to whether they wish to enrol 15-year-olds.

Youth Guarantee providers are required to offer a place to eligible young people as a matter of priority. Providers will work to place young people in courses that will meet their needs and are consistent with government training priorities.

For more information about education options for young people, see: Youth Guarantee - Frequently Asked Questions

For more information on courses available, including searching for training providers, see: Skills Victoria – Get Training

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Pathways and options at school

Young people have a range of pathways and options through the senior years of schooling. Talk with them and make sure they are aware of all the options that are available, including the three senior secondary qualifications and VET in Schools: 

Students can undertake Vocational Education and Training programs as part of their VCE or VCAL. These VET programs include VET in Schools, School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships and pre-apprenticeships.

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Other education and training options

School is the best place for most students to complete their education through the completion of a senior secondary certificate, usually VCE or VCAL. However, for some young people options other than school may be more suitable.

For information, see:

  • Skills Victoria – provides information on education and training options to the community including apprentices, trainees, students, teachers, trainers, businesses and employers 
  • Centrelink – access to relevant education and training information and can be used to apply for payments online
  • Short Courses Victoria – search for the short courses available in Victoria and find a course provider that is located near your home or work
  • Going to Uni – search for courses available at universities and other organisations throughout Australia. Includes the fees charged, eligibility, how to apply and the support available for young people attending uni
  • Get Training – search for vocational and educational training courses offered in Victoria at TAFE institutes, Adult Community Education organisations, TAFE divisions of Victorian Universities and private training providers.

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Who can help?

Youth Transition Support Initative

The Youth Transition Support Initiative (YTSI) assists disengaged young people aged 15 to 19 get access to a sustainable education, training or employment option.

Transition support workers in 12 LLEN areas across Victoria provide disengaged young people with tailored assistance to access support services and to re-engage in sustainable education, training or employment options.

For more information, see: Youth Transition Support Initiative

Centrelink

Talk to Centrelink about the options that may be available to help your child, including income support and job seeking assistance.

For more information, see: Centrelink-Individuals

Youth Connections

From 2010, the Youth Connections Program will provide improved services and a better safety net for young people at risk.

For more information see: Department of Education Employment and Workplace Relations

Other people you can talk to

At the school there are a range of people you can speak to for help if your child wants to leave school early:

  • the careers coordinator
  • the Managed Individual Pathways coordinator
  • the year level coordinator
  • the student wellbeing coordinator
  • an Assistant Principal
  • other teachers in your child’s school.

Other people outside of school that you can speak to include:

  • relatives and family friends who your child feels comfortable talking to
  • youth workers in community settings
  • TAFE and university course counsellors.

More information

For more information, see: Careers and Planning for the Future