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 10 or Equivalent was the most common schooling level among residents aged 15 and over in Central Desert (R), accounting for 21.5% (564 people). This share was higher than Regional NT (19.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 8 or Below, which decreased by 392 people and 15.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Central Desert (R) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Central Desert (R) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NT and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Central Desert (R), with comparison markers for Regional NT.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
442
% of total
16.8%
Change from 2016
-15.3pp
442
16.8%
-15.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
328
% of total
12.5%
Change from 2016
+2.3pp
328
12.5%
+2.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
564
% of total
21.5%
Change from 2016
+5.5pp
564
21.5%
+5.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
292
% of total
11.1%
Change from 2016
+2.8pp
292
11.1%
+2.8pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
489
% of total
18.6%
Change from 2016
+2.3pp
489
18.6%
+2.3pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
187
% of total
7.1%
Change from 2016
+1.3pp
187
7.1%
+1.3pp
Not Stated
2021 count
327
% of total
12.4%
Change from 2016
+1.1pp
327
12.4%
+1.1pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-392
-15.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+62
+2.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+148
+5.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+77
+2.8pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+66
+2.3pp
Did Not Go To School
+37
+1.3pp
Not Stated
+33
+1.1pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Central Desert (R). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NT.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NT% | Count | % | Regional NT% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 442 | 16.8% | 8.5% | 834 | 32.1% | 10.5% | -392 | -15.3pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 328 | 12.5% | 8.1% | 266 | 10.2% | 7.7% | +62 | +2.3pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 564 | 21.5% | 19.8% | 416 | 16.0% | 18.5% | +148 | +5.5pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 292 | 11.1% | 12.5% | 215 | 8.3% | 11.4% | +77 | +2.8pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 489 | 18.6% | 36.8% | 423 | 16.3% | 31.6% | +66 | +2.3pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 187 | 7.1% | 2.1% | 150 | 5.8% | 2.3% | +37 | +1.3pp |
| Not Stated | 327 | 12.4% | 12.2% | 294 | 11.3% | 18.0% | +33 | +1.1pp |
| Total | 2,629 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,598 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +31 | 0.0pp |