Working with The Ministry of Education
Your local Ministry of Education (MoE) office have staff that are dedicated to working with parents/caregivers and the school your 15 year old is attending to explore and support other options with local Tertiary Education Providers (Adult education Schools) who offer courses suitable for 15 year olds, who can commit to working with the young person until they are at least 16.
The MOE staff may also consider whether it is suitable for your young person to get a job or utilise the range of alternative services and initiatives that secondary schools and government have set up for those who may not be suited to the mainstream subjects. For example, arranging work experience leading to employment. Enrolling on a Future Academy course (1 day a week).
NZ government research has established that young people have more options available to them and do better in life, if they have the NCEA level 2 qualification (or equivalent qualification). They generally move into higher levels of education and progress within employment to earn more as they build on what they know and can do after achieving NCEA level 2 or higher.
The same research shows that those who leave school without qualifications are more likely to have difficulties when they get into employment, they earn less money and find it harder to studying at higher levels later in life and have higher unemployment rates.
The last year at secondary school is designed to help youth to study at higher levels or gain valuable transferable skills that will support them into employment.
Your young person does not have to leave school and miss out on getting that valuable knowledge, life skills or the practical skills that lead to being employed.
The best option is to get in touch with your local Ministry of Education office to discuss your young person’s circumstances and the best ways they can support you. An early leaving exemption may be looked at as an option.
Ministry of Education Contact Information:
| Address for couriers and reception | Postal address | Contact numbers |
| Ministry of Education Tauranga Office 132 First Avenue Tauranga 3110 | PO Box 15564 Tauranga 3144 DX Number: HX11045 | Phone: +64 7 571 7800 |
| Ministry of Education Rotorua Office Level 3 1144 Pukaki Street Rotorua 3010 | PO Box 1749 Rotorua 3040 DX Number: JX10522 | Phone: +64 7 349 7399 |
| Ministry of Education Whakatane Office Shelby House 22 Louvain Street Whakatane 3120 | Shelby House 22 Louvain Street Whakatane 3120 DX Number: JX10505 | Phone: +64 7 306 2500 |
You may discuss the available options with your school as there may well be ongoing discussions happening already.