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 Hay (A), accounting for 35.4% (829 people). This share was lower than Regional NSW (44.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 69 people and 2.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Hay (A) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Hay (A) 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 Hay (A), with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
155
% of total
6.6%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
155
6.6%
-2.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
220
% of total
9.4%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
220
9.4%
+0.6pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
594
% of total
25.3%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
594
25.3%
-0.4pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
206
% of total
8.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
206
8.8%
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
829
% of total
35.4%
Change from 2016
+2.8pp
829
35.4%
+2.8pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
17
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
17
0.7%
+0.4pp
Not Stated
2021 count
323
% of total
13.8%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
323
13.8%
-1.4pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-46
-2.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+15
+0.6pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-6
-0.4pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
0
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+69
+2.8pp
Did Not Go To School
+9
+0.4pp
Not Stated
-31
-1.4pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Hay (A). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 155 | 6.6% | 4.3% | 201 | 8.6% | 5.4% | -46 | -2.0pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 220 | 9.4% | 7.3% | 205 | 8.8% | 8.3% | +15 | +0.6pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 594 | 25.3% | 28.7% | 600 | 25.7% | 29.9% | -6 | -0.4pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 206 | 8.8% | 6.7% | 206 | 8.8% | 6.4% | 0 | 0.0pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 829 | 35.4% | 44.5% | 760 | 32.6% | 39.2% | +69 | +2.8pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 17 | 0.7% | 0.5% | 8 | 0.3% | 0.4% | +9 | +0.4pp |
| Not Stated | 323 | 13.8% | 8.1% | 354 | 15.2% | 10.2% | -31 | -1.4pp |
| Total | 2,344 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,334 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +10 | 0.0pp |