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Exemptions from Compulsory Schooling and Compulsory Participation

Parents apply for an exemption from compulsory schooling [an error occurred while processing this directive] if, for a period of more than 10 consecutive school days, the child can not attend their educational program or it would be unreasonable in the circumstances to require the child to attend their educational program.

Parents apply for an exemption from compulsory participation [an error occurred while processing this directive] if, for a period of more than 10 consecutive school days, the young person can not participate in any eligible option or it would be unreasonable to require the young person to participate in any eligible option.

When considering applying for an exemption, it is important to discuss your situation and any concerns you may have with the school or Department of Education and Training regional office. Contact the Department of Education and Training regional offices for more information.

For more information on processes for applying for an exemption and to access application forms, refer to SMS-PR-030: Exemptions from Compulsory Schooling and Compulsory Participation.

Application for employment exemption under the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000

Young persons in the compulsory participation phase of schooling, who wish to leave school to take up employment may be eligible for an employment exemption under the Vocational Education, Training and Employment Act 2000 (the VETE Act), if they:

have not been granted an exemption from participating in an eligible option under Chapter 10 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006
have not turned 17 years of age
have obtained paid employment of between 15 and 25 hours per week, or unpaid employment
the employment is not as an apprenticeship or traineeship under a registered training contract.

The form pertaining to employment exemptions under the VETE Act is the Application for Employment Exemption .

For further information regarding employment exemptions under the VETE Act contact:

Apprenticeships Info
Telephone: 1800 120 120

Parents of non-state school students

For information concerning exemptions for students enrolled in non-state schools, please contact:

Executive Services Officer
Office of Non-State Education
Phone: (07) 3224 5536
Email: OfficeOfNonStateEducation@deta.qld.gov.au

The forms pertaining to exemptions for students in non-state schools can be found on the Non State School Accreditation Board website.

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