Education
Highest level of schooling
About this topic
Highest level of schooling shows the highest year of primary or secondary school completed by people aged 15 years and over. It describes school attainment rather than post-school qualifications.
This topic helps indicate educational attainment and can support analysis of access to employment, training, and services. It is best read with qualifications and other socio-economic indicators, because school completion alone does not show a person's full skill profile.
Interpretation notes
- This records the highest year of primary or secondary school completed by people aged 15 years and over.
- It is not a measure of post-school qualifications, so it should be read with non-school qualifications for full attainment.
Related topics
Key insight
In 2021, Year 12 or Equivalent was the most common schooling level among residents aged 15 and over in Ararat (RC), accounting for 37.5% (3,660 people). This share was lower than Regional Vic. (46.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 10 or Equivalent, which increased by 553 people and 5.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Ararat (RC) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Ararat (RC) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Vic. and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Ararat (RC), with comparison markers for Regional Vic..
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
551
% of total
5.6%
Change from 2016
-2.4pp
551
5.6%
-2.4pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
753
% of total
7.7%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
753
7.7%
-0.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
2,178
% of total
22.3%
Change from 2016
+5.1pp
2,178
22.3%
+5.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,628
% of total
16.7%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
1,628
16.7%
+0.6pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
3,660
% of total
37.5%
Change from 2016
+4.4pp
3,660
37.5%
+4.4pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
74
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
74
0.8%
+0.1pp
Not Stated
2021 count
923
% of total
9.5%
Change from 2016
-7.5pp
923
9.5%
-7.5pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-208
-2.4pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
0
-0.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+553
+5.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+109
+0.6pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+531
+4.4pp
Did Not Go To School
+4
+0.1pp
Not Stated
-686
-7.5pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Ararat (RC). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Vic..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | % | Regional Vic.% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 551 | 5.6% | 5.1% | 759 | 8.0% | 6.6% | -208 | -2.4pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 753 | 7.7% | 7.1% | 753 | 8.0% | 7.8% | 0 | -0.3pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 2,178 | 22.3% | 17.9% | 1,625 | 17.2% | 18.6% | +553 | +5.1pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 1,628 | 16.7% | 15.2% | 1,519 | 16.1% | 15.6% | +109 | +0.6pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 3,660 | 37.5% | 46.2% | 3,129 | 33.1% | 40.4% | +531 | +4.4pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 74 | 0.8% | 0.6% | 70 | 0.7% | 0.5% | +4 | +0.1pp |
| Not Stated | 923 | 9.5% | 8.0% | 1,609 | 17.0% | 10.6% | -686 | -7.5pp |
| Total | 9,767 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 9,464 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +303 | 0.0pp |