You must stay at school until you turn 16 or complete Year 10 (whichever comes first). Most Queensland students complete year 10 when they are 15 years old. After that you must participate in 2 more years of education. This could be in a school, a TAFE college, a course at a university or other provider, or an apprenticeship or traineeship.  You can leave study or training if:

• you turn 17 years old or
• you gain a Senior Certificate, a Queensland Certificate of Education or a Certificate III.

Your parents are legally obliged to ensure you participate in education as required. If you are in a paid job for 25 hours per week you can be exempted from this requirement. There may be other reasons for exemption such as illness. Refer to the Dept of Education, Training and the Arts website at www.education.qld.gov.au/etrf for a full explanation of the new rules.

These rules are meant to ensure you have a substantial vocational qualification behind you after you complete Year 10 so that you are more likely to get a good job, a decent income and lead a rewarding life.