Minimum School Leaving Age to Increase

Research has shown that young people who stay in education or training longer significantly boost their career prospects and their earning capacity throughout their working lives – which is why, from January next year, the minimum school leaving age will rise from 16 to 17.

From 2010 onwards, all Victorian students will be required to complete Year 10 and remain in some form of education, training or employment until the age of 17, through an amendment to the Education and Training Reform Act.

Minister for Education Bronwyn Pike said the amendment was aimed at setting a higher bar for the community, not punishing school leavers.

“This is not a punitive approach and it supports the many programs already in place to support early school leavers,” Ms Pike said.

In Victoria, students can choose from a range of academic and applied learning options, including the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) and the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL).

Students can also undertake the popular Vocational Education And Training (VET) in Schools program as part of their VCE or VCAL.

For more details about the study options available in Victorian schools, visit Stages at School or Where to now?