Bright outlook for class of 2023 as student outcomes hit 15-year high

• 91 per cent of 2022 Year 12 completers go on to education, training or employment
• Highest post-school engagement rate since 2008
• Graduate outcomes continue to improve under the Palaszczuk Government

Queensland’s Class of 2023 looks set for a bright future with a new survey showing more than 90 per cent of their predecessors have successfully made the jump into post-school life.

The annual Next Steps survey for 2023 reveals 91 per cent of students who completed Year 12 in 2022 were engaged in education, training or employment six months after graduating.

The result is the highest recorded for Queensland state school leavers since 2008.

The strong showing reflects the success of Palaszczuk Government initiatives such as Link and Launch, which provides support and guidance for young people who have completed Year 12 to make the transition to further study, training or work.

Education or training was the preferred destination for 60 per cent of students, followed by employment at 31 per cent.

Bachelor degree study remains the most popular destination for Year 12 completers and is consistently the destination of about 40 per cent of school leavers.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 12 completer outcomes have continued to improve post-COVID, with total engagement in education, training or employment at 80 per cent in 2023, up three per cent from the previous year.

Quotes attributable to Education Minister Grace Grace:

“It’s encouraging to see such a high proportion of state school students successfully making the transition to pathways outside school.

“This is a testament to the hard work of students and a credit to the principals, teachers, support staff and families involved.

“The Palaszczuk Government’s strong focus on supporting Year 12 graduates is a key driver of the success these students are enjoying.

“The class of 2023 is well placed to build on the success of their predecessors, and I wish all those graduating today the very best as they enter post-school life.”

Further information:

In total, just over 37,000 of approximately 51,000 young people who graduated from Queensland state, independent and Catholic schools in 2022 completed the Next Step survey.

For more information visit the Next Step website, www.qld.gov.au/year12completers.

Destination of Year 12 completers, Queensland

* respondents who are both studying and working are classified as In education or training

ENDS

Media contact – Martin Philip 0407 675 008