It’s never too late to finish Year 12

Data from the Productivity Commission reveals nearly one in five Australian students leaves school without completing Year 12. With studies confirming that completing Year 12 can improve employability by up to 20%, alternative education providers are a vital step towards bridging the gap. 

Over the past five years, more than 6,000 Victorians have enrolled in VCE as adult students. Many choose to complete their Year 12 through TAFEs, like Box Hill Institute (BHI) where they are treated as adults, rather than school children.

Following a bout of ill-health VCE student, Noni Sawell left school in Year 10. She tried online study but found it too difficult to stay engaged. Noni and her mum discovered BHI’s VCE program through a family friend. 

Noni Sawell has returned to VCE as a mature-aged student

“I wasn’t aware VCE for adults was an option. I was too old for high school and all my friends had moved on to uni,” said Ms Sawell.

Inspired by the medical team that aided her recovery, Noni enrolled in BHI’s VCE program to pursue her dream of becoming a nurse. To help balance study, work and prioritise her health, she studied Years 11 and 12 part-time over three years.

“It’s been great to have a supportive learning environment. I was socially isolated but I remember meeting two lovely girls at orientation and we’ve been friends ever since,” said Ms Sawell.

Melissa Carling is another mature-aged student who returned to complete her VCE. She dropped out of high school early to have a child, and re-enrolled when her daughter was completing her VCE. Like Noni, she has studied part-time, taking one subject a year for six years to balance study with other commitments. 

Completing the VCE has opened doors for Frankston North mum, Melissa Carling. Photo credit: Chris Franklin, Box Hill Institute

“I felt supported, guided and encouraged. Doing my VCE has opened doors to better opportunities,” said Ms Carling.

With over 200 Year 12 enrolments in 2024, BHI is one of the largest providers of Year 12 education outside of secondary schools in Victoria. To accommodate rising demand, BHI is expanding its Year 12 program to its Box Hill campus, while keeping its popular Year 12 program in Melbourne’s CBD. 

Director of BHI’s Foundation Education College, Matt Hetherington, highlights the growing interest in an alternative Year 12 experience.

“Not everyone has a great experience at secondary school. People leave early for various reasons but don’t want to miss out on completing Year 12. That’s where we come in,” said Mr Hetherington.

The curriculum is carefully curated with popular subjects favoured by mature-aged students. Learners can also tap into various support services including financial scholarships, a Head Start program and ongoing curriculum assistance.

“Our teachers are experts at supporting people to become confident, lifelong learners,” said Mr Hetherington. 

Enrolments for the Box Hill and city campuses open in October through BHI’s website