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 Dubbo Regional, accounting for 43.1% (17,998 people). This share was lower than Regional NSW (44.5%).

Section overview

Highest level of secondary schooling completed

Dubbo Regional - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises highest level of schooling for Dubbo Regional in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.

Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot

2021 distribution by category for Dubbo Regional, with comparison markers for Regional NSW.

Dubbo Regional
Regional NSW

Year 8 Or Below

2021 count

1,855

% of total

4.4%

Change from 2016

-

Year 9 Or Equivalent

2021 count

2,605

% of total

6.2%

Change from 2016

-

Year 10 Or Equivalent

2021 count

11,598

% of total

27.8%

Change from 2016

-

Year 11 Or Equivalent

2021 count

2,580

% of total

6.2%

Change from 2016

-

Year 12 Or Equivalent

2021 count

17,998

% of total

43.1%

Change from 2016

-

Did Not Go To School

2021 count

147

% of total

0.4%

Change from 2016

-

Not Stated

2021 count

4,969

% of total

11.9%

Change from 2016

-

Data table

Highest level of schooling for Dubbo Regional. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.

Highest level of schooling for Dubbo Regional. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
Highest level of schooling for Dubbo Regional. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
Category20212016Change
Count%Regional NSW%Count%Regional NSW%Countpp
Year 8 Or Below1,8554.4%4.3%--5.4%--
Year 9 Or Equivalent2,6056.2%7.3%--8.3%--
Year 10 Or Equivalent11,59827.8%28.7%--29.9%--
Year 11 Or Equivalent2,5806.2%6.7%--6.4%--
Year 12 Or Equivalent17,99843.1%44.5%--39.2%--
Did Not Go To School1470.4%0.5%--0.4%--
Not Stated4,96911.9%8.1%--10.2%--
Total41,752100.0%100.0%--100.0%--