Tasmania's education system, which trails national averages on a host of metrics, will be subjected to an independent review.
Almost half of the state's young people aren't meeting the standard for a year 12 certificate or equivalent - a figure questioned by the state government.
The state's 53 per cent year 12 attainment rate is the second worst in the country, behind the Northern Territory, and well below the 76 per cent national average.
The review, to be headed by Education Services Australia chair Vicki Baylis, will consider demographics, socio-economic characteristics and the relationship of all levels of education.
Education Minister Jo Palmer said some areas of the education system were a "real concern".
But she said the attainment figures, which are calculated by the Australian government Productivity Commission, don't paint an accurate picture.
"Some of the data is not being read and interpreted properly, in particular with attainment," she told reporters.
"In Tasmania if you want to look at children who are engaged in years 11-12 (plus) children who are also in TAFE (or doing) apprenticeships, we're up around ... 80 per cent.
"That is comparable with other states and territories."
Tasmania is towards the back of the pack when it comes to NAPLAN results, while attendance rates across years 1-10 are the second worst in the nation.
"We have recently introduced nation-leading structured literacy and phonics programs in our schools but are always open to further improving our education system," Ms Palmer said.
The state's Labor opposition has in recent weeks ramped up calls for a review.
Australian Education Union Tasmania president David Genford said budget cuts must be ruled out for the review to be taken seriously.
He said any review would likely expose existing failures caused by under-funding.
""The department currently can't cope with curriculum work, principal support or even paying educators on time," Mr Genford said.
He also questioned whether the department could afford to make improvements following the review.
Terms of reference for the review, slated to be completed and released publicly by the end of 2024, are expected to be drawn up in coming weeks.
Ms Palmer didn't commit to implementing the review's recommendations, saying she didn't want to pre-empt any findings.
