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 Merrylands West, accounting for 53.7% (3,034 people). This share was lower than Cumberland (A) (60.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 362 people and 3.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Merrylands West - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Merrylands West in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Cumberland (A) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Merrylands West, with comparison markers for Cumberland (A).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
374
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
374
6.6%
-0.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
302
% of total
5.3%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
302
5.3%
-1.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
937
% of total
16.6%
Change from 2016
-2.3pp
937
16.6%
-2.3pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
280
% of total
5.0%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
280
5.0%
+0.3pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
3,034
% of total
53.7%
Change from 2016
+3.5pp
3,034
53.7%
+3.5pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
190
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
190
3.4%
+0.1pp
Not Stated
2021 count
534
% of total
9.4%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
534
9.4%
-0.1pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-8
-0.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-35
-1.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-69
-2.3pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+32
+0.3pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+362
+3.5pp
Did Not Go To School
+15
+0.1pp
Not Stated
+28
-0.1pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Merrylands West. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Cumberland (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Cumberland (A)% | Count | % | Cumberland (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 374 | 6.6% | 5.6% | 382 | 7.2% | 6.8% | -8 | -0.6pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 302 | 5.3% | 4.2% | 337 | 6.3% | 4.7% | -35 | -1.0pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 937 | 16.6% | 12.9% | 1,006 | 18.9% | 15.2% | -69 | -2.3pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 280 | 5.0% | 4.2% | 248 | 4.7% | 4.7% | +32 | +0.3pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 3,034 | 53.7% | 60.9% | 2,672 | 50.2% | 57.5% | +362 | +3.5pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 190 | 3.4% | 3.8% | 175 | 3.3% | 3.8% | +15 | +0.1pp |
| Not Stated | 534 | 9.4% | 8.5% | 506 | 9.5% | 7.4% | +28 | -0.1pp |
| Total | 5,651 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,326 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +325 | 0.0pp |