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 Merredin (S), accounting for 38.7% (979 people). This share was lower than Regional WA (42.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which decreased by 71 people and 0.3 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Merredin (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Merredin (S) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional WA and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Merredin (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
107
% of total
4.2%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
107
4.2%
-0.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
155
% of total
6.1%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
155
6.1%
0.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
641
% of total
25.3%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
641
25.3%
-1.2pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
316
% of total
12.5%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
316
12.5%
+0.8pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
979
% of total
38.7%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
979
38.7%
-0.3pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
4
% of total
0.2%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
4
0.2%
-0.5pp
Not Stated
2021 count
329
% of total
13.0%
Change from 2016
+1.9pp
329
13.0%
+1.9pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-25
-0.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-9
0.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-71
-1.2pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
0
+0.8pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
-71
-0.3pp
Did Not Go To School
-15
-0.5pp
Not Stated
+31
+1.9pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Merredin (S). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional WA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | % | Regional WA% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 107 | 4.2% | 3.2% | 132 | 4.9% | 3.8% | -25 | -0.7pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 155 | 6.1% | 5.4% | 164 | 6.1% | 5.6% | -9 | 0.0pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 641 | 25.3% | 25.7% | 712 | 26.5% | 26.4% | -71 | -1.2pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 316 | 12.5% | 11.6% | 316 | 11.7% | 11.9% | 0 | +0.8pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 979 | 38.7% | 42.1% | 1,050 | 39.0% | 38.7% | -71 | -0.3pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 4 | 0.2% | 0.5% | 19 | 0.7% | 0.5% | -15 | -0.5pp |
| Not Stated | 329 | 13.0% | 11.5% | 298 | 11.1% | 12.9% | +31 | +1.9pp |
| Total | 2,531 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,691 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -160 | 0.0pp |