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 Balnagowan, accounting for 44.6% (152 people). This share was higher than Mackay (R) (43.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 30 people and 3 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Balnagowan - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Balnagowan in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Mackay (R) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Balnagowan, with comparison markers for Mackay (R).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
7
% of total
2.1%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
7
2.1%
-0.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
18
% of total
5.3%
Change from 2016
-2.9pp
18
5.3%
-2.9pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
121
% of total
35.5%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
121
35.5%
0.0pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
28
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
28
8.2%
+0.7pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
152
% of total
44.6%
Change from 2016
+3.0pp
152
44.6%
+3.0pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
0
% of total
0.0%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
0
0.0%
0.0pp
Not Stated
2021 count
15
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
15
4.4%
0.0pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-1
-0.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-6
-2.9pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+17
0.0pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+6
+0.7pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+30
+3.0pp
Did Not Go To School
0
0.0pp
Not Stated
+2
0.0pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Balnagowan. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Mackay (R).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Mackay (R)% | Count | % | Mackay (R)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 7 | 2.1% | 4.7% | 8 | 2.7% | 6.0% | -1 | -0.6pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 18 | 5.3% | 5.6% | 24 | 8.2% | 5.6% | -6 | -2.9pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 121 | 35.5% | 26.8% | 104 | 35.5% | 28.4% | +17 | 0.0pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 28 | 8.2% | 8.5% | 22 | 7.5% | 9.1% | +6 | +0.7pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 152 | 44.6% | 43.6% | 122 | 41.6% | 40.2% | +30 | +3.0pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 0 | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0 | 0.0% | 0.3% | 0 | 0.0pp |
| Not Stated | 15 | 4.4% | 10.5% | 13 | 4.4% | 10.5% | +2 | 0.0pp |
| Total | 341 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 293 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +48 | 0.0pp |