Can you leave school after Year 10 in WA?
A young person cannot simply finish Year 10 and stop participating in education, training or approved employment. Western Australia allows alternatives to full-time school, but the correct approval process depends on the student’s year level and proposed arrangement.
In brief: Leaving before the end of Year 10 generally requires an exemption from full-time schooling. Moving to an alternative during the final two years of compulsory education, typically Years 11 and 12, generally requires an approved Notice of Arrangements
What does “leaving school” actually mean?
For many families, leaving school does not mean leaving education. It means moving from a conventional school timetable to an approved combination of vocational training, employment, an apprenticeship or traineeship, another education program, or several activities that together are equivalent to full-time participation.
The WA Department of Education describes two main approval routes for compulsory-school-aged young people who want an alternative to full-time schooling.
Before the end of Year 10: exemption from full-time schooling
Years 11 and 12: Notice of Arrangements
What approved alternatives may be available?
The right combination depends on the young person, their age and the approval given. Possible elements can include:
- full-time vocational education and training with an eligible provider
- an apprenticeship or traineeship
- approved full-time employment
- a community-based course or other approved program
- a combination of training, employment and education that meets participation requirements
Approval is specific to the arrangement. A part-time job or an informal course does not automatically replace school. Families should confirm the requirements with the Department of Education, their regional office and every organisation involved.
Questions to answer before changing pathways
- What is the student’s intended next step? Consider university, further training, an apprenticeship, employment or enterprise.
- Is the program genuinely full-time? Understand attendance, training hours, flexible-learning time and work commitments.
- Who issues the qualifications? Nationally recognised VET must be delivered and assessed by an appropriately registered RTO.
- What approval is needed? Ask whether an exemption, Notice of Arrangements or another process applies.
- What will the student finish with? Confirm qualifications, portfolio evidence, references and progression options.
How IDEA fits into an alternative Year 10-12 pathway
IDEA provides a full-time vocational alternative to mainstream schooling for senior-secondary-aged students. It is not a registered school and does not award WACE or an ATAR. Students combine co-learning days, recognised vocational qualifications delivered with registered training partners, mentoring, project work and real-world experiences.
IDEA can help families understand how the program operates and what information is needed for the participation process. Formal approval remains with the relevant authority.
Explore the IDEA Academy Program, review the enrolment process or learn about non-ATAR pathways in Perth.
Frequently asked questions
Employment may form an approved participation option, but it must meet current requirements and receive the necessary approval. A job by itself should not be assumed to satisfy the law.
They may move to an approved alternative during Years 11 and 12, usually through a Notice of Arrangements. They must continue in an approved education, training, employment or combined pathway.
No. University may still be possible through VET qualifications, enabling programs and other provider-specific entry pathways. Requirements vary by course and university.