New school aged leaving laws

The Victorian Government has raised the school leaving age from 16 to 17 years. This took effect in January of this year. Research demonstrates that young people without qualifications or experience will generally have lower career prospects in the long term, and earn less over the course of their careers. The Victorian Government is committed to enabling every young person going through the education system to find a pathway which suits their interests, aims and abilities, and allows them to gain skills to help them in their future. This means; 

• All young people must participate in schooling (meaning in school or an approved equivalent) until they complete Year 10
•  All young people that have completed Year 10, must 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.  

All Victorian students must complete Year 10. After Year 10 and until the age of 17 students must be: in school, or registered for home schooling,

 

OR

 

In approved education or training (e.g. TAFE, traineeship, apprenticeship),

 

OR

 

In full-time paid employment,

 

OR

 

In a combination of one, two and/or three for a minimum of 25 hours per week.

 

For more information visit the Department of Education and early Childhood development website.