More questions than answers on where a number of 15-year-olds are heading after being allowed to drop out of school

Preliminary Ministry of Education figures show 13-hundred and 76 teens left before turning 16 last year - the highest number since 2007.

Secondary School Principals' Association president Louise Anaru says they need more data, because if these children aren't in further training or learning , where are they?

She says their aspiration is for all young people to achieve success and thrive, and part of that is leaving with higher qualification levels.