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 21.4% (544 people). This share was higher than Regional NT (19.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 8 or Below, which decreased by 409 people and 16 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
418
% of total
16.4%
Change from 2016
-16.0pp
418
16.4%
-16.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
313
% of total
12.3%
Change from 2016
+2.1pp
313
12.3%
+2.1pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
544
% of total
21.4%
Change from 2016
+5.6pp
544
21.4%
+5.6pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
285
% of total
11.2%
Change from 2016
+2.9pp
285
11.2%
+2.9pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
489
% of total
19.2%
Change from 2016
+3.0pp
489
19.2%
+3.0pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
187
% of total
7.3%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
187
7.3%
+1.4pp
Not Stated
2021 count
310
% of total
12.2%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
310
12.2%
+1.0pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-409
-16.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+52
+2.1pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+140
+5.6pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+74
+2.9pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+75
+3.0pp
Did Not Go To School
+37
+1.4pp
Not Stated
+25
+1.0pp
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 | 418 | 16.4% | 8.3% | 827 | 32.4% | 10.3% | -409 | -16.0pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 313 | 12.3% | 7.6% | 261 | 10.2% | 7.2% | +52 | +2.1pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 544 | 21.4% | 19.5% | 404 | 15.8% | 18.2% | +140 | +5.6pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 285 | 11.2% | 12.2% | 211 | 8.3% | 11.1% | +74 | +2.9pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 489 | 19.2% | 37.9% | 414 | 16.2% | 32.6% | +75 | +3.0pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 187 | 7.3% | 2.2% | 150 | 5.9% | 2.3% | +37 | +1.4pp |
| Not Stated | 310 | 12.2% | 12.3% | 285 | 11.2% | 18.2% | +25 | +1.0pp |
| Total | 2,546 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,552 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -6 | 0.0pp |