With reports being finalised across the country, thousands of teachers are grappling with the same question: should this student pass?
If we’re being honest, the answer is often clear: No.
Yet, for some reason, we feel the need to be ‘generous’ by marking them as ‘working towards’ the standard (or whatever auto-filled euphemism occupies the lowest passable option on your report-writing software).
But are they really? No, they’re not. They’ve made no progress because they’re completely disengaged and uninterested. Does this mean they’re stupid or incapable? Absolutely not. It just means the academic path isn’t what they’re suited to.
Failing students isn’t about punishment. It’s about clarity. When we’re clear and honest with our feedback, we don’t just help the students who are struggling, we help their classmates, their teachers and the education system as a whole.
So while it might feel harsh in the moment, here’s why failing students is not only necessary but ultimately the kinder thing to do.
University or Bust: A Harmful Myth
There’s a view that has carried over from years gone by: that university is the only pathway to a successful career. It’s become so ingrained in our culture, that everyone—from parents to the education system—considers anything less a failure.
But here’s the reality: Students who undertake apprenticeships in Australia complete their training and secure full-time employment, according to a National Centre for Vocational Education Research (NCVER) study. That’s a higher success rate than many university programs. Coupled with the fact that trades and apprenticeships often lead to higher starting salaries and less student debt.
When students are pressured onto an academic path they’re not suited for, they lose years that could have been spent excelling in a hands-on environment. Apprenticeships, TAFE programs, or entrepreneurial pursuits aren’t fallback options—they’re opportunities to thrive.
We need to be honest about this. The world has changed, and so has the value of a degree. While higher education is still the right choice for some, it’s not the only measure of success.
Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Them Earlier?
Well, in the moment, everyone’s happy if they keep passing. Students think they’re still on track, parents think the same, and teachers are happy to kick that problem down the road for someone else to deal with. The incentives just aren’t there for anyone to take responsibility.
That ‘someone else’ is often the year 11 teacher, like the one I spoke to this week (who inspired me to write this post):
She shared her frustration about students in her class who were completely disengaged all year. Despite her best efforts to make lessons engaging, these students never bought in. Meanwhile, the rest of her class—the students who wanted to learn—lost out because so much energy was being spent on those who didn’t.
This shouldn’t be her problem and the rest of the class shouldn’t have to sacrifice their learning in year 11, because the teacher is preoccupied with the few students who don’t even want to be there.
Failing these students earlier would have been an act of kindness. It’s a chance to say, this path isn’t working—let’s find one that does.
Reaching Breaking Point in Year 11
Year 11 is the point of no return.
This is where school gets serious, with students laying the foundation for the most challenging year of their academic lives: Year 12. But for disengaged students, Year 11 is often where the cracks in the system become impossible to ignore.
Teachers are left trying to salvage situations that should have been addressed years earlier. The disengaged students feel like failures, the engaged students feel neglected, and the teacher is stretched too thin to give anyone their best.
This isn’t a healthy education system.
An Optimistic View of Failure
Failure isn’t the end of the road—it’s a turning point.
When we fail a student who isn’t meeting the standard, it’s not about giving up on them—it’s about being honest. Honest about what’s working, what isn’t, and where their future truly lies. It creates the opportunity for them to explore paths where they can thrive, instead of keeping them trapped in a cycle of frustration and disengagement. (See my post for more on providing feedback that promotes success)
This honesty doesn’t just benefit the struggling student. It allows teachers to direct their energy toward students who are ready to learn, ensuring the classroom remains a space for growth and meaningful engagement.
Pushing disengaged students through the system helps no one. What the world needs isn’t more students ticking boxes—it’s confident, capable young people who are empowered to pursue paths that align with their strengths and passions. That’s how we build a healthier education system and a better future for everyone.
Final Thoughts
Failing a student isn’t about punishment—it’s about giving them clarity and a chance to succeed on a path that’s right for them. It’s about protecting the classroom environment for engaged students and preserving teachers’ energy for what they do best: teaching.
By failing early and honestly, we can challenge the outdated “university or bust” narrative and celebrate diverse pathways to success.
The next time you’re faced with the question, should this student pass? ask yourself: Who benefits if they do?
Because sometimes, failing a student is the first step in helping them succeed.