6 April 2017

Jeremy Rockliff, Minister for Education and Training

2017 First Term Census

2017 First Term Census data shows 533 students are currently studying Year 11 and 12 at the 30 Tasmanian Government High Schools that have extended to Year 12.

This means 533 students are currently engaged in education that would otherwise not be, heading towards a brighter future because of this opportunity.

This is clear evidence that our Plan to create a job- ready generation is working.

The Census also shows:

• Enrolments in the first 12 schools which have extended to Year 11 and 12 are up from 57 per cent to 58.3 per cent since 2014
• Direct retention rates from Year 10 to Year 11 remain at a ten year high
• Full time enrolment has increased - 99.7 per cent of students are studying full time compared to 96.8 per cent in 2016.

These impressive results have not been at the expense of colleges which continue to attract strong enrolments. Extending high schools to Year 12 is about providing choice and recognising the barriers that exist for some children to continue their secondary education, such as distance.

We are also sending a clear message that school does not finish at Year 10.

In contrast Labor’s only plan for education is to wind back the extension of high schools which would be detrimental to these students and school communities.

The Hodgman Liberal Government is committed to lifting educational achievement and creating a job-ready generation by increasing the levels of engagement, retention and attainment for students through to Year 12.

More Media Releases from Jeremy Rockliff

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