Is the school leaving age changing?

A law was passed by the New South Wales Parliament in May 2009 to increase the school leaving age from 15 years of age in 2009 to 17 years of age. This law operates from 1 January 2010.

Why has the government increased the minimum school leaving age?

The minimum school leaving age is being raised to ensure that school-leavers have the opportunity to maximise their preparation for further education or training or employment.

There is compelling Australian and international research which demonstrates that people with higher levels of schooling are more likely to make a successful transition to further education, training, or work.

Early school-leavers are also two and a half times more likely to be unemployed, earn lower wages and have poorer quality of life outcomes. Those who do not leave school early generally enjoy enhanced life choices and better economic and social outcomes, the research shows.

Is the school leaving age changing in other states?

All states and territories in Australia are making similar changes to make sure that young people stay at school longer and gain skills to help them in their future lives.

What choices do young people have to meet the requirements of the new law?

Students must stay at school until they complete Year 10. A participation phase then applies until the young person reaches the age of 17. There are a number of options for the participation phase. They could be:

• at secondary school or continuing home schooling
• undertaking a training course at TAFE NSW
• undertaking an apprenticeship or traineeship
• enrolled in a training course with a private training organisation, or
• in some combination of the above.

What if the young person has a job?

Full-time paid employment for 25 hours or more a week is a recognised alternative after the completion of Year 10, provided the young person is aged at least 15.

If the young person is working part-time then he or she will need to combine his or her work with approved education or training to satisfy the legal requirements of the Act.

Are there exemptions in relation to full-time employment for students with disabilities?

Eligible students with a disability may have a part exemption from the 25-hour requirement in relation to employment. Guidelines for students with a disability are set by the Commonwealth.

• Guidelines set by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations for the Disability Employment Network (open employment) state that an employee is someone who works more than eight hours per week.
• Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs guidelines set eight hours per week for a school-leaver.