This report was originally published 21 August 2026.

Summary

Understanding the school completion and post-school pathway intentions of regional, rural and remote (RRR) students can help schools identify opportunities to support students as they navigate their final years of school and prepare for life beyond school.

This research report presents findings from a study of 9,300 Year 9 students across 161 RRR NSW high schools. Using Tell Them From Me (TTFM) data, the research followed students through to school completion and examined their intentions to complete school, attend university and pursue vocational education and training (VET).

The report identifies 5 common pathway plans and explores what students’ intentions may tell us about their future educational pathways. It also highlights opportunities to better support students who are uncertain about their plans, particularly in understanding and preparing for VET pathways.