The law regarding the school leaving age is changing. From 2010, all students will need to complete Year 10. After finishing Year 10 students can choose to participate in education, training or full-time employment until at least 17 years of age.

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After completing Year 10 students can:

• stay at school or continue with home schooling
• do a training course at TAFE
• undertake an apprenticeship or traineeship
• enrol in a training course with a private training organisation, or
• do some combination of above, or work full-time, for 25 hours or more per week.

This change came about because research shows that people with higher levels of education and training have better life choices and outcomes. Early school leavers are more likely to be unemployed, earn lower wages and have a poorer quality of life.

Our approach to education has always been about providing students with the skills and knowledge to live meaningful, happy and successful lives.

Schools will support students in the choices they make about the future life they want for themselves because

schools now offer students staying after Year 10 more choice and flexibility than ever before in what they study and how they study.

Studying for the HSC to gain entry to university is just one of many options available to students staying at school after Year 10.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships in conjunction with TAFE exist for all sorts of careers. These give students the opportunity to gain the HSC and a nationally recognised qualification as well as gain work experience through paid employment all at the same time. Of course there are other options too.

Careers advisors, year advisors, teachers and principals at all schools are ready to help students discover what their school can offer to create the future life they want.