The state opposition wants to make all Tasmanian schools offer year 11 and 12 programs if elected but the government claims the plan would be costly and force colleges to close.

Professor Ian Hay, Dean of the Faculty of Education at the University of Tasmania, backed the idea as a ``positive long-term goal'' but warned it would require careful implementation.

He said removing the travel barrier was not enough to reduce the dropout rate.

''The hope is it will improve retention but the program has to be motivational and meaningful for the students,'' Professor Hay said.

''Because they're in the same environment, they generally are more stable and they feel more comfortable, but sometimes they're less challenged.''

Technology could help schools offer a broad range of subjects by allowing them to link with other schools, he said.

Professor Hay said a ''one size fits all'' approach would fail.

''A lot of work will need to be done to work out what works best within that community and how that can be delivered,'' he said.

The opposition's education spokesman Michael Ferguson said this week about half a dozen schools had responded enthusiastically to the policy and wanted to be among the first to offer year 11 and 12.

He has promised to consult widely and agreed each area would require a tailored plan.

Professor Hay said the centralisation of year 11 and 12 courses had worked for more gifted students.

''The reason why they have gone historically to centralise was to increase the level of specialisation and that has been very good for some students.''

Eighteen rural schools already offer year 11 and 12 programs.