The Kellyville High School student, 16, was one of 11 students to visit the regional office in Kingswood in late May and discussed the benefits of raising the school leaving age

to 17.

She also accompanied the school education director to a meeting with principals from the area and helped to adjudicate a debate at Colyton Public School.

``It was such a great experience to see how everything worked and how the department handles things from small cases to large matters involving our schools,'' she said.

Kendelle was told about the opportunity by the co-ordinator of the School Elected Council, of which she is a member.

She has ruled out working towards becoming a principal and instead hopes for a career in microbiology.

However, she is confident the skills she learnt will help her in her profession.

``In meetings you need everyone's input a group effort, not just one person speaking,'' she said.