Schools Plus

The policy originally aimed to implement a higher school-leaving age (currently 16) however was eventually changed, with its new scope being to require those under 18 to be involved in some form of educational process.

The reannouncement included numerous changes to the policy to rebut criticism that it was simply an attempt to raise the school-leaving age.

Clark asserted the implementation of the policy came in light of concerns that a large number of New Zealand teenagers were leaving school with few or no qualifications.

The Post-Primary Teachers' Association labelled it a "draconian and simplistic response to a complex problem", citing that forcing students to remain at school does not "radically [transform them to be] enthusiastic and attentive",[10] however, while opposed to the removal of exemptions, the PPTA welcomes the program on the basis that other programs have been proven to work.

[8] Peter Gall, president of the Secondary Principals Association, criticised the policy as not taking into account "special cases" where leaving school was the only option and that the current crackdown on school leavers results in students remaining on the roll but not turning up to class.