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 Westmead (part), accounting for 79% (10,072 people). This share was higher than Cumberland (A) (62.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 10,057 people and 43.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Westmead (part) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Westmead (part) 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 Westmead (part), with comparison markers for Cumberland (A).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
287
% of total
2.3%
Change from 2016
+2.3pp
287
2.3%
+2.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
196
% of total
1.5%
Change from 2016
-5.6pp
196
1.5%
-5.6pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
754
% of total
5.9%
Change from 2016
-27.4pp
754
5.9%
-27.4pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
220
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
-15.0pp
220
1.7%
-15.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
10,072
% of total
79.0%
Change from 2016
+43.3pp
10,072
79.0%
+43.3pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
138
% of total
1.1%
Change from 2016
+1.1pp
138
1.1%
+1.1pp
Not Stated
2021 count
1,088
% of total
8.5%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
1,088
8.5%
+1.4pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+287
+2.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+193
-5.6pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+740
-27.4pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+213
-15.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+10,057
+43.3pp
Did Not Go To School
+138
+1.1pp
Not Stated
+1,085
+1.4pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Westmead (part). 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 | 287 | 2.3% | 5.7% | 0 | 0.0% | 6.9% | +287 | +2.3pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 196 | 1.5% | 3.5% | 3 | 7.1% | 4.1% | +193 | -5.6pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 754 | 5.9% | 12.1% | 14 | 33.3% | 14.6% | +740 | -27.4pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 220 | 1.7% | 3.2% | 7 | 16.7% | 3.6% | +213 | -15.0pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 10,072 | 79.0% | 62.7% | 15 | 35.7% | 59.3% | +10,057 | +43.3pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 138 | 1.1% | 4.0% | 0 | 0.0% | 3.9% | +138 | +1.1pp |
| Not Stated | 1,088 | 8.5% | 8.8% | 3 | 7.1% | 7.6% | +1,085 | +1.4pp |
| Total | 12,755 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 42 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +12,713 | 0.0pp |