School-leavers from Kingston are leading a renewed charge to university according to a survey released this week by the Brumby Labor Government.

Carrum State Labor MP Jenny Lindell said the Brumby Labor Government’s annual student destination survey, On Track, shows school leavers from low socio-economic backgrounds are spearheading the rising number of students heading straight to university.

Of the government school students going on to university, one-third are now from the lowest two Socio Economic Status groups compared to 27 per cent last year.

The class of 2008 snapshot shows the number of students from Government, Catholic and Independent schools enrolling in university has jumped from 43.9 per cent last year to 45.6 per cent.

The proportion of government school graduates attending university has also increased from 35.6 to 37.3 per cent.

Ms Lindell said the hike in students enrolling in university is also an indication of the current economic situation.

Of the government school students going on to university, one-third are now from the lowest two Socio Economic Status groups compared to 27 per cent last year.

“This proves the Brumby Labor Government’s is improving education by taking action to support schools and students who need it most,” Ms Lindell said.

“Education is the number one priority of the Brumby Labor Government and this survey provides further evidence that this government is delivering real results for every student, regardless of social circumstance, or where they live.

“It also shows why we, together with the federal government, have pledged a further $275.3 million in this year’s State Budget to improving student outcomes in low socio-economic school communities.”

“In this tough economic environment, school graduates are continuing to successfully pursue diverse pathways, taking up the opportunity to build on the world-class 21st century education they received while at school,” Ms Lindell said.

Jenny Lindell congratulated local schools Mordialloc College and Patterson River Secondary College on the support they provide to VCE students in preparing them for post-school transitions.

“Our local schools are doing a fantastic job in preparing young people to pursue a diverse range of pathways beyond school,” Ms Lindell said.

The survey also shows:
• The number of students who went on to further education and training after school remained at 71.7 per cent;
• The number of students who entered TAFE has remained at 18 per cent;
• 89 per cent of rural students who deferred a tertiary place are now in jobs;
• The number of students who started an apprenticeship or traineeship has dropped from 9.8 per cent to 8 per cent; and
• The number of students in part-time work has risen from 6 per cent to 7.7 per cent, while the number of students in full time work has dropped from 8.4 per cent to 4.7 per cent.

More than 36,000 school-leavers took part in the survey, which was compiled by the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development.