This national report, released today by the Mitchell Institute, calculates the cost of students who do not complete Year 12 (early leavers). The report estimates that in 2014 there were almost 38,000 19 year old early school leavers who will never continue their education. This is 12% of the 19 year old population. The rates are higher for males (15.7%) than for females (8.1%).

Taking account of a range of economic and social costs, the report estimates the dollar-value impact of leaving school early for individuals, households, communities and governments.

Given that we have a number of programs in the school that engage this cohort and staff who research in this area, I expect this report will generate some interest.