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 Cardinia (S), accounting for 54.7% (47,598 people). This share was lower than Greater Melbourne (66.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 15,593 people and 8.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Cardinia (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Cardinia (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Melbourne and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Cardinia (S), with comparison markers for Greater Melbourne.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
3,012
% of total
3.5%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
3,012
3.5%
-0.9pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
4,981
% of total
5.7%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
4,981
5.7%
-1.2pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
14,085
% of total
16.2%
Change from 2016
-2.8pp
14,085
16.2%
-2.8pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
11,394
% of total
13.1%
Change from 2016
-2.1pp
11,394
13.1%
-2.1pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
47,598
% of total
54.7%
Change from 2016
+8.1pp
47,598
54.7%
+8.1pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
592
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
592
0.7%
+0.3pp
Not Stated
2021 count
5,275
% of total
6.1%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
5,275
6.1%
-1.6pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+5
-0.9pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+250
-1.2pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+1,042
-2.8pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+978
-2.1pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+15,593
+8.1pp
Did Not Go To School
+318
+0.3pp
Not Stated
+14
-1.6pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Cardinia (S). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Melbourne.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | % | Greater Melbourne% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 3,012 | 3.5% | 4.2% | 3,007 | 4.4% | 5.1% | +5 | -0.9pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 4,981 | 5.7% | 3.5% | 4,731 | 6.9% | 4.0% | +250 | -1.2pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 14,085 | 16.2% | 9.6% | 13,043 | 19.0% | 10.6% | +1,042 | -2.8pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 11,394 | 13.1% | 8.6% | 10,416 | 15.2% | 9.4% | +978 | -2.1pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 47,598 | 54.7% | 66.9% | 32,005 | 46.6% | 61.7% | +15,593 | +8.1pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 592 | 0.7% | 1.5% | 274 | 0.4% | 1.4% | +318 | +0.3pp |
| Not Stated | 5,275 | 6.1% | 5.6% | 5,261 | 7.7% | 7.7% | +14 | -1.6pp |
| Total | 86,937 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 68,737 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +18,200 | 0.0pp |