These fact sheets were originally published 13 May 2026.

Summary

The annual NSW Post-School Destinations and Experiences Survey (‘destinations survey’ or ‘the survey’) collects information about where school leavers from NSW Government, Catholic or independent schools are, in the year after leaving or completing school. The destinations survey has been conducted since 2014 and unpacks information on educational pathways, attainments and destinations of school leavers, and informs policymaking related to students’ post-school education, training and employment. Results from the destinations survey are also used to support program evaluation relating to post-school destinations of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students.

The NSW Department of Education (‘the department’) considers school-to-work transition as one of the most important transitional experiences, particularly with respect to future employment outcomes. The department provides a range of programs and initiatives to ensure young people are prepared for higher education, training and work.

This report describes the findings from the 2024 survey which was conducted between July and November 2024. NSW school leavers who completed Year 12 in 2023 (Year 12 completers) or who left school in 2023 while they were in Year 10, 11 or 12 (early school leavers) were invited to participate in the survey.

There were 10 main school destinations that relate to further education and current employment: bachelor’s degree, vocational education and training (VET) certificate IV+, VET certificate III, VET certificate I–II, apprenticeship, traineeship, full-time work, part-time work, looking for work, and not in the labour force or further education or training (NILFET).