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 Lachlan (A), accounting for 35.7% (1,657 people). This share was lower than Regional NSW (44.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 175 people and 4.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Lachlan (A) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Lachlan (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 Lachlan (A), with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
250
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
-2.4pp
250
5.4%
-2.4pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
395
% of total
8.5%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
395
8.5%
-0.7pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,390
% of total
29.9%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
1,390
29.9%
0.0pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
288
% of total
6.2%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
288
6.2%
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,657
% of total
35.7%
Change from 2016
+4.1pp
1,657
35.7%
+4.1pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
34
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
34
0.7%
0.0pp
Not Stated
2021 count
629
% of total
13.5%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
629
13.5%
-1.1pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-118
-2.4pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-36
-0.7pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-12
0.0pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
-5
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+175
+4.1pp
Did Not Go To School
+2
0.0pp
Not Stated
-54
-1.1pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Lachlan (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 | 250 | 5.4% | 4.3% | 368 | 7.8% | 5.4% | -118 | -2.4pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 395 | 8.5% | 7.3% | 431 | 9.2% | 8.3% | -36 | -0.7pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 1,390 | 29.9% | 28.7% | 1,402 | 29.9% | 29.9% | -12 | 0.0pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 288 | 6.2% | 6.7% | 293 | 6.2% | 6.4% | -5 | 0.0pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 1,657 | 35.7% | 44.5% | 1,482 | 31.6% | 39.2% | +175 | +4.1pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 34 | 0.7% | 0.5% | 32 | 0.7% | 0.4% | +2 | 0.0pp |
| Not Stated | 629 | 13.5% | 8.1% | 683 | 14.6% | 10.2% | -54 | -1.1pp |
| Total | 4,643 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,691 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -48 | 0.0pp |