Student exits from mainstream education double as officials pursue overhaul

The number of students leaving New Zealand's mainstream school system has doubled, prompting education officials to pursue structural changes aimed at retention. The shift comes as schools publicly back calls for increased funding and an overhaul of support systems for vulnerable students. Students exiting early tend to face labour-market exclusion and poorer health outcomes. Officials have not yet detailed whether interventions will focus on alternative pathways, expanded learning-support teacher roles, or direct school funding.