Universities criticise schools for not preparing students for tertiary education

University executives are criticising schools for failing to prepare students for tertiary education. They say the biggest barrier is the lack of high school maths and science teachers, especially in low socio-economic areas. Students aren’t able to pursue higher education in these fields if they don’t have the relevant prerequisites from school. 24.6 per cent of public high school students leave before finishing year 12. It is the highest national dropout rate in 30 years.