The Rockliff Liberal Government's extension policy is the single biggest reform of education in this generation, and it is a success.
Every secondary and combined Tasmanian Government school now provides senior secondary options and our retention rates in years 10 to 12 have increased since this policy was introduced in 2014.
Minister for Education, Children and Youth, Roger Jaensch, said that by extending schooling to include Year 11 and 12 – more young people are remaining engaged in learning, and for longer.
"The apparent retention rate in years 10 to 12 has increased from 70.1 per cent in 2014 to 76.1 per cent in 2022," Minister Jaensch said.
"Access to schools with Years 11 and 12 has also greatly increased thanks to our Government's extension policy, with 86 per cent of all prospective Government school Year 11 students in 2022 living within 10km of their nearest provider.
"We know that without this policy many students who face barriers and challenges, or live in regional areas, wouldn't be in school."
The Tasmanian Liberal Government knows that every day of learning counts and schools work closely with students on their individualised learning pathways - every one of which is a success story compared to Labor's deplorable record in senior secondary reform.
The success of the Liberal Government's year 11 and 12 extension school policy is in stark contrast to the former Labor Government's failed Tasmania Tomorrow reforms.
Minister Jaensch said it is well understood that Labor created chaos in senior secondary education and VET, and their negativity and longstanding lack of support for Tasmanian school communities only compounds their education policy failures.
"Labor has never supported this policy, but they shouldn't take that out on our kids," he said.
"The fact is, there are more Tasmanians staying in school longer because of this policy and that should be celebrated."
Our Government is delivering on our long-term plan and doing what matters most for all Tasmanians – and that's exactly what this policy is all about.
