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 Balmain, accounting for 78.5% (6,789 people). This share was higher than Inner West (A) (75%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 536 people and 6.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Balmain - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Balmain in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Inner West (A) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Balmain, with comparison markers for Inner West (A).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
151
% of total
1.7%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
151
1.7%
+0.1pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
212
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
212
2.5%
+0.1pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
763
% of total
8.8%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
763
8.8%
-0.4pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
330
% of total
3.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
330
3.8%
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
6,789
% of total
78.5%
Change from 2016
+6.3pp
6,789
78.5%
+6.3pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
26
% of total
0.3%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
26
0.3%
0.0pp
Not Stated
2021 count
374
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-6.2pp
374
4.3%
-6.2pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+16
+0.1pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+1
+0.1pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-30
-0.4pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+1
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+536
+6.3pp
Did Not Go To School
-2
0.0pp
Not Stated
-537
-6.2pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Balmain. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Inner West (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Inner West (A)% | Count | % | Inner West (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 151 | 1.7% | 3.3% | 135 | 1.6% | 4.1% | +16 | +0.1pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 212 | 2.5% | 2.4% | 211 | 2.4% | 2.6% | +1 | +0.1pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 763 | 8.8% | 9.0% | 793 | 9.2% | 9.8% | -30 | -0.4pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 330 | 3.8% | 3.7% | 329 | 3.8% | 3.7% | +1 | 0.0pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 6,789 | 78.5% | 75.0% | 6,253 | 72.2% | 69.6% | +536 | +6.3pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 26 | 0.3% | 1.3% | 28 | 0.3% | 1.3% | -2 | 0.0pp |
| Not Stated | 374 | 4.3% | 5.3% | 911 | 10.5% | 8.9% | -537 | -6.2pp |
| Total | 8,645 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 8,660 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -15 | 0.0pp |