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 40% (977 people). This share was lower than Regional WA (43.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 10 or Equivalent, which decreased by 69 people and 1.3 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
105
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
105
4.3%
-0.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
132
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
132
5.4%
0.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
609
% of total
24.9%
Change from 2016
-1.3pp
609
24.9%
-1.3pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
291
% of total
11.9%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
291
11.9%
+0.5pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
977
% of total
40.0%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
977
40.0%
-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
323
% of total
13.2%
Change from 2016
+2.1pp
323
13.2%
+2.1pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-23
-0.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-7
0.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-69
-1.3pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
-3
+0.5pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
-64
-0.3pp
Did Not Go To School
-15
-0.5pp
Not Stated
+37
+2.1pp
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 | 105 | 4.3% | 3.2% | 128 | 5.0% | 3.9% | -23 | -0.7pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 132 | 5.4% | 4.6% | 139 | 5.4% | 5.0% | -7 | 0.0pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 609 | 24.9% | 25.4% | 678 | 26.2% | 26.3% | -69 | -1.3pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 291 | 11.9% | 11.1% | 294 | 11.4% | 11.4% | -3 | +0.5pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 977 | 40.0% | 43.3% | 1,041 | 40.3% | 39.9% | -64 | -0.3pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 4 | 0.2% | 0.5% | 19 | 0.7% | 0.5% | -15 | -0.5pp |
| Not Stated | 323 | 13.2% | 11.9% | 286 | 11.1% | 13.2% | +37 | +2.1pp |
| Total | 2,441 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 2,585 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -144 | 0.0pp |