A view that more students are dropping out of school early because they have a clear career pathway in mind.
More than 1300 15-year-olds received an exemption last year and 90% went into further study.
Canterbury's Darfield High School Principal Andy England told Mike Hosking schools have been working hard with polytechs, while the Ministry runs a youth guarantee programme.
He says students can spend one or two days with a tertiary provider while attending school, and sometimes they want to do that full time before they turn 16.
It’s also believed some students are leaving early due to the people around them in successful careers.
England told Hosking lots of students, particularly in rural areas, look up to people who leave school early.
He says role models often don't have an academic pathway but many are in successful careers or running businesses.
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The Mike Hosking Breakfast