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 Essendon, accounting for 71% (12,816 people). This share was higher than Moonee Valley (C) (66.6%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 1,413 people and 5.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Essendon - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Essendon in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Moonee Valley (C) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Essendon, with comparison markers for Moonee Valley (C).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
612
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
-0.7pp
612
3.4%
-0.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
594
% of total
3.3%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
594
3.3%
-0.5pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,417
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
1,417
7.8%
-0.9pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,750
% of total
9.7%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
1,750
9.7%
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
12,816
% of total
71.0%
Change from 2016
+5.1pp
12,816
71.0%
+5.1pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
123
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
123
0.7%
0.0pp
Not Stated
2021 count
751
% of total
4.2%
Change from 2016
-2.9pp
751
4.2%
-2.9pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-93
-0.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-63
-0.5pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-93
-0.9pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+64
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+1,413
+5.1pp
Did Not Go To School
+7
0.0pp
Not Stated
-477
-2.9pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Essendon. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Moonee Valley (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Moonee Valley (C)% | Count | % | Moonee Valley (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 612 | 3.4% | 5.3% | 705 | 4.1% | 6.5% | -93 | -0.7pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 594 | 3.3% | 3.9% | 657 | 3.8% | 4.2% | -63 | -0.5pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 1,417 | 7.8% | 8.7% | 1,510 | 8.7% | 9.5% | -93 | -0.9pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 1,750 | 9.7% | 9.3% | 1,686 | 9.7% | 9.5% | +64 | 0.0pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 12,816 | 71.0% | 66.6% | 11,403 | 65.9% | 61.1% | +1,413 | +5.1pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 123 | 0.7% | 1.3% | 116 | 0.7% | 1.4% | +7 | 0.0pp |
| Not Stated | 751 | 4.2% | 4.8% | 1,228 | 7.1% | 7.9% | -477 | -2.9pp |
| Total | 18,063 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 17,305 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +758 | 0.0pp |