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 Hawkesbury (C), accounting for 44.9% (23,395 people). This share was lower than Greater Sydney (66.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 3,159 people and 4 percentage points.

Section overview

Highest level of secondary schooling completed

Hawkesbury (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)

This table summarises highest level of schooling for Hawkesbury (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Sydney and change since 2016.

Highest level of secondary schooling completed change

Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.

2016
2021

Year 8 Or Below

-258

-0.7pp

Year 9 Or Equivalent

-116

-0.6pp

Year 10 Or Equivalent

+435

-0.8pp

Year 11 Or Equivalent

+226

+0.1pp

Year 12 Or Equivalent

+3,159

+4.0pp

Did Not Go To School

+33

0.0pp

Not Stated

-823

-2.0pp

Data table

Highest level of schooling for Hawkesbury (C). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.

Highest level of schooling for Hawkesbury (C). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
Highest level of schooling for Hawkesbury (C). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Sydney.
Category20212016Change
Count%Greater Sydney%Count%Greater Sydney%Countpp
Year 8 Or Below1,8033.5%3.3%2,0614.2%4.0%-258-0.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent3,5266.8%3.4%3,6427.4%4.0%-116-0.6pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent16,80632.3%14.8%16,37133.1%16.6%+435-0.8pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent3,3906.5%3.9%3,1646.4%4.0%+226+0.1pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent23,39544.9%66.9%20,23640.9%62.1%+3,159+4.0pp
Did Not Go To School2140.4%1.6%1810.4%1.4%+330.0pp
Not Stated2,9605.7%6.2%3,7837.7%7.9%-823-2.0pp
Total52,094100.0%100.0%49,438100.0%100.0%+2,6560.0pp