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 Whalan, accounting for 38.4% (1,628 people). This share was lower than Blacktown (C) (64%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 1,605 people and 13.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Whalan - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Whalan in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Blacktown (C) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Whalan, with comparison markers for Blacktown (C).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
300
% of total
7.1%
Change from 2016
-5.0pp
300
7.1%
-5.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
429
% of total
10.1%
Change from 2016
+6.8pp
429
10.1%
+6.8pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
999
% of total
23.6%
Change from 2016
-22.6pp
999
23.6%
-22.6pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
268
% of total
6.3%
Change from 2016
-3.6pp
268
6.3%
-3.6pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,628
% of total
38.4%
Change from 2016
+13.1pp
1,628
38.4%
+13.1pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
92
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
+2.2pp
92
2.2%
+2.2pp
Not Stated
2021 count
526
% of total
12.4%
Change from 2016
+9.1pp
526
12.4%
+9.1pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+289
-5.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+426
+6.8pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+957
-22.6pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+259
-3.6pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+1,605
+13.1pp
Did Not Go To School
+92
+2.2pp
Not Stated
+523
+9.1pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Whalan. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Blacktown (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Blacktown (C)% | Count | % | Blacktown (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 300 | 7.1% | 3.7% | 11 | 12.1% | 4.9% | +289 | -5.0pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 429 | 10.1% | 3.8% | 3 | 3.3% | 4.9% | +426 | +6.8pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 999 | 23.6% | 16.0% | 42 | 46.2% | 19.5% | +957 | -22.6pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 268 | 6.3% | 4.1% | 9 | 9.9% | 4.6% | +259 | -3.6pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 1,628 | 38.4% | 64.0% | 23 | 25.3% | 57.6% | +1,605 | +13.1pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 92 | 2.2% | 1.3% | 0 | 0.0% | 1.2% | +92 | +2.2pp |
| Not Stated | 526 | 12.4% | 7.1% | 3 | 3.3% | 7.3% | +523 | +9.1pp |
| Total | 4,242 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 91 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +4,151 | 0.0pp |