Policy context

Attendance data for Years 11 and 12 are not captured as there are different pathways for students after Year 10. Apparent retention rates provide an indicative measure of the proportion of full-time school students who have stayed at school or equivalent, for a designated year and grade of education.¹

In most states and territories, students are required to remain at school or participate in an approved non-school option (such as employment or training) until the end of the year they turn 17 years and six months, or graduate from high school. Young people who remain engaged in education, training or employment following their compulsory school years have better long-term prospects in the labour market, and consequently in life.²

The Australian Bureau of Statistics records the highest level of primary or secondary schooling completed through the census. The data is used to help build a picture of the education levels attained in each area of Australia and to assist in the planning of educational facilities.³

WA’s Post-school Destinations Survey suggests around 37.5% of government school Year 12 completers go on to pursue university education. However, this access is not equal as students from CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) backgrounds, those with disability, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are significantly less like to receive university offers⁴.