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 Thornton (NSW), accounting for 45.3% (3,797 people). This share was higher than Maitland (C) (42.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 1,370 people and 6.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Thornton (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Thornton (NSW) 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 Thornton (NSW), with comparison markers for Maitland (C).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
281
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
281
3.4%
-0.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
633
% of total
7.6%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
633
7.6%
-1.5pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
2,701
% of total
32.2%
Change from 2016
-3.7pp
2,701
32.2%
-3.7pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
690
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
690
8.2%
+0.3pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
3,797
% of total
45.3%
Change from 2016
+6.2pp
3,797
45.3%
+6.2pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
31
% of total
0.4%
Change from 2016
+0.3pp
31
0.4%
+0.3pp
Not Stated
2021 count
248
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
248
3.0%
-0.8pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+28
-0.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+70
-1.5pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+469
-3.7pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+200
+0.3pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+1,370
+6.2pp
Did Not Go To School
+22
+0.3pp
Not Stated
+10
-0.8pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Thornton (NSW). 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 | 281 | 3.4% | 3.9% | 253 | 4.1% | 4.5% | +28 | -0.7pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 633 | 7.6% | 8.7% | 563 | 9.1% | 9.8% | +70 | -1.5pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 2,701 | 32.2% | 31.5% | 2,232 | 35.9% | 33.5% | +469 | -3.7pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 690 | 8.2% | 8.1% | 490 | 7.9% | 7.8% | +200 | +0.3pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 3,797 | 45.3% | 42.6% | 2,427 | 39.1% | 37.2% | +1,370 | +6.2pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 31 | 0.4% | 0.3% | 9 | 0.1% | 0.3% | +22 | +0.3pp |
| Not Stated | 248 | 3.0% | 4.7% | 238 | 3.8% | 6.9% | +10 | -0.8pp |
| Total | 8,381 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 6,212 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,169 | 0.0pp |