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 Ashburton (S), accounting for 43.3% (2,405 people). This share was similar to Regional WA (43.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which decreased by 2,309 people, while its share rose by 1.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Ashburton (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Ashburton (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Ashburton (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
78
% of total
1.4%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
78
1.4%
+0.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
124
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
124
2.2%
-0.4pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,068
% of total
19.3%
Change from 2016
-2.2pp
1,068
19.3%
-2.2pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
637
% of total
11.5%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
637
11.5%
-1.1pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
2,405
% of total
43.3%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
2,405
43.3%
+1.2pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
38
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
38
0.7%
+0.3pp
Not Stated
2021 count
1,198
% of total
21.6%
Change from 2016
+1.9pp
1,198
21.6%
+1.9pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-41
+0.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-166
-0.4pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-1,338
-2.2pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
-771
-1.1pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
-2,309
+1.2pp
Did Not Go To School
-9
+0.3pp
Not Stated
-1,006
+1.9pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Ashburton (S). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 78 | 1.4% | 3.2% | 119 | 1.1% | 3.9% | -41 | +0.3pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 124 | 2.2% | 4.6% | 290 | 2.6% | 5.0% | -166 | -0.4pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 1,068 | 19.3% | 25.4% | 2,406 | 21.5% | 26.3% | -1,338 | -2.2pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 637 | 11.5% | 11.1% | 1,408 | 12.6% | 11.4% | -771 | -1.1pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 2,405 | 43.3% | 43.3% | 4,714 | 42.1% | 39.9% | -2,309 | +1.2pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 38 | 0.7% | 0.5% | 47 | 0.4% | 0.5% | -9 | +0.3pp |
| Not Stated | 1,198 | 21.6% | 11.9% | 2,204 | 19.7% | 13.2% | -1,006 | +1.9pp |
| Total | 5,548 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 11,188 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -5,640 | 0.0pp |