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 Smithfield (Qld), accounting for 64% (3,267 people). This share was higher than Cairns (R) (54.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 10 or Equivalent, which increased by 452 people and 7 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Smithfield (Qld) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Smithfield (Qld) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cairns (R) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Smithfield (Qld), with comparison markers for Cairns (R).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
91
% of total
1.8%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
91
1.8%
-0.1pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
150
% of total
2.9%
Change from 2016
+1.5pp
150
2.9%
+1.5pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
865
% of total
17.0%
Change from 2016
+7.0pp
865
17.0%
+7.0pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
396
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
+4.2pp
396
7.8%
+4.2pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
3,267
% of total
64.0%
Change from 2016
-12.7pp
3,267
64.0%
-12.7pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
21
% of total
0.4%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
21
0.4%
0.0pp
Not Stated
2021 count
312
% of total
6.1%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
312
6.1%
0.0pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+13
-0.1pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+94
+1.5pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+452
+7.0pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+246
+4.2pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+105
-12.7pp
Did Not Go To School
+5
0.0pp
Not Stated
+62
0.0pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Smithfield (Qld). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cairns (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | % | Cairns (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 91 | 1.8% | 3.2% | 78 | 1.9% | 4.0% | +13 | -0.1pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 150 | 2.9% | 3.6% | 56 | 1.4% | 3.8% | +94 | +1.5pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 865 | 17.0% | 19.8% | 413 | 10.0% | 21.1% | +452 | +7.0pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 396 | 7.8% | 7.8% | 150 | 3.6% | 8.2% | +246 | +4.2pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 3,267 | 64.0% | 54.7% | 3,162 | 76.7% | 50.7% | +105 | -12.7pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 21 | 0.4% | 0.8% | 16 | 0.4% | 0.8% | +5 | 0.0pp |
| Not Stated | 312 | 6.1% | 10.3% | 250 | 6.1% | 11.4% | +62 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 5,102 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,125 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +977 | 0.0pp |