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 East Maitland, accounting for 43.8% (4,303 people). This share was higher than Maitland (C) (42.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 593 people and 5.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
East Maitland - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for East Maitland in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Maitland (C) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for East Maitland, with comparison markers for Maitland (C).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
430
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
430
4.4%
-0.8pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
850
% of total
8.7%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
850
8.7%
-1.2pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
2,851
% of total
29.0%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
2,851
29.0%
-1.9pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
750
% of total
7.6%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
750
7.6%
+0.2pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
4,303
% of total
43.8%
Change from 2016
+5.5pp
4,303
43.8%
+5.5pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
35
% of total
0.4%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
35
0.4%
+0.1pp
Not Stated
2021 count
603
% of total
6.1%
Change from 2016
-1.9pp
603
6.1%
-1.9pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-78
-0.8pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-106
-1.2pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-139
-1.9pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+36
+0.2pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+593
+5.5pp
Did Not Go To School
+10
+0.1pp
Not Stated
-175
-1.9pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for East Maitland. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Maitland (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Maitland (C)% | Count | % | Maitland (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 430 | 4.4% | 3.9% | 508 | 5.2% | 4.5% | -78 | -0.8pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 850 | 8.7% | 8.7% | 956 | 9.9% | 9.8% | -106 | -1.2pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 2,851 | 29.0% | 31.5% | 2,990 | 30.9% | 33.5% | -139 | -1.9pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 750 | 7.6% | 8.1% | 714 | 7.4% | 7.8% | +36 | +0.2pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 4,303 | 43.8% | 42.6% | 3,710 | 38.3% | 37.2% | +593 | +5.5pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 35 | 0.4% | 0.3% | 25 | 0.3% | 0.3% | +10 | +0.1pp |
| Not Stated | 603 | 6.1% | 4.7% | 778 | 8.0% | 6.9% | -175 | -1.9pp |
| Total | 9,822 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 9,681 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +141 | 0.0pp |