Education
Qualifications
About this topic
Qualifications records the highest non-school qualification completed by people aged 15 years and over. It describes post-school educational attainment such as certificates, diplomas, and university degrees.
This topic is a key indicator of skill level and socio-economic opportunity within an area. It is most useful when read with employment status, occupation, and income, which show how qualifications relate to labour market outcomes.
Interpretation notes
- This topic uses highest completed non-school qualification, so incomplete study and current enrolment do not count as attained qualifications.
- It applies to people aged 15 years and over and should be read with schooling for the full education profile.
Related topics
Key insight
In 2021, no qualification was the most common qualification level among residents aged 15 and over in Dorset (M), accounting for 48.4% (2,765 people). This share was higher than Regional Tas. (43%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in bachelor degree or higher, which increased by 192 people and 3.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Dorset (M) - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Dorset (M) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Tas. and change since 2016.
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Dorset (M), with comparison markers for Regional Tas..
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
589
% of total
10.3%
Change from 2016
+3.1pp
589
10.3%
+3.1pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
351
% of total
6.1%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
351
6.1%
+0.4pp
Vocational
2021 count
1,352
% of total
23.6%
Change from 2016
+1.7pp
1,352
23.6%
+1.7pp
No Qualification
2021 count
2,765
% of total
48.4%
Change from 2016
-4.4pp
2,765
48.4%
-4.4pp
Not Stated
2021 count
661
% of total
11.6%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
661
11.6%
-0.8pp
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
+192
+3.1pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
+39
+0.4pp
Vocational
+152
+1.7pp
No Qualification
-129
-4.4pp
Not Stated
-16
-0.8pp
Data table
Qualifications for Dorset (M). Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Tas..
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Tas.% | Count | % | Regional Tas.% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 589 | 10.3% | 16.2% | 397 | 7.2% | 12.3% | +192 | +3.1pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 351 | 6.1% | 7.7% | 312 | 5.7% | 7.2% | +39 | +0.4pp |
| Vocational | 1,352 | 23.6% | 23.9% | 1,200 | 21.9% | 22.6% | +152 | +1.7pp |
| No Qualification | 2,765 | 48.4% | 43.0% | 2,894 | 52.8% | 46.5% | -129 | -4.4pp |
| Not Stated | 661 | 11.6% | 9.2% | 677 | 12.4% | 11.4% | -16 | -0.8pp |
| Total | 5,718 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,480 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +238 | 0.0pp |