The latest census data has confirmed that more young Tasmanians are staying in school longer as a result of our $45 million initiative to extend Tasmanian high schools to Years 11 and 12.
There has been a 57 per cent increase in enrolments at the first 12 high schools to extend to Years 11 and 12 compared to 2014, the latest census data shows.
This is a very significant increase, with more than 270 students enrolled in Years 11 and 12 at the 12 high schools, and an increase on the 38 per cent recorded in the first year of the initiative.
This shows that extending Tasmanian high schools is sending a clear message to more and more young Tasmanians that school does not end at Year 10.
This is a great result, as improving educational outcomes is critically important for the future prosperity of young Tasmanians and the prosperity of our state.
Importantly, the census confirms that this increase has not come at a cost to colleges, with an overall increase in Tasmanians enrolled in senior secondary schools.
Our initiative to extend Tasmanian high schools to Years 11 and 12 is a great example of our commitment to improve educational outcomes of Tasmania.
As we have said all along, achieving generational change in education is not just about money – if it were that simple Tasmania’s record would be better than it is. The national picture reflects this too; funding and teachers have gone up, but relative student performance has decreased.
This is why the Hodgman Liberal Government is making structural changes, targeted investments and prioritising students with the greatest need. This includes extending our high schools to Years 11 and 12, proposed changes to the school starting age and leaving requirements, and initiatives like the $17.75 million Learning in Families Together program.
We are committed to giving young Tasmanians the very best chance at success and look forward to working with the next 18 schools to extend in 2017. Importantly, the accelerated roll-out of this initiative is the result of the community’s support; students, teachers and parents have all seen the advantages of this initiative, and want to ensure that they have the same opportunities.
I urge those who oppose this initiative, like Labor, to recognise the undeniable positive influence it is having on Tasmanian students and educational results.
This will create a job ready generation that will build on the economic momentum, which now has the state back on track.
The 2016 census figures for Tasmanian Government schools also showed that there are 62,575 students enrolled across the state.
School Name | 2014 (Baseline) | 2016 | % Change 2014-16 |
Huonville High School | 36 | 95 | 163.9% |
Scottsdale High School | 30 | 38 | 26.7% |
Smithton High School | 32 | 38 | 18.8% |
St Helens District High School | 50 | 60 | 20.0% |
Campbell Town District High School | na | 8 | na |
New Norfolk High School | na | 15 | na |
Extension Rosebery District High School | 4 | 5 | 25.0% |
School 2016 Mountain Heights School | 13 | 14 | 7.7% |
Tasman District School | 10 | 2 | -80.0% |
Total All Extension Schools | 175 | 275 | 57.1% |
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