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 10 or Equivalent was the most common schooling level among residents aged 15 and over in Nambucca Heads, accounting for 33% (1,848 people). This share was higher than Nambucca (A) (32.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which decreased by 1,767 people and 46.1 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Nambucca Heads - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Nambucca Heads in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Nambucca (A) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Nambucca Heads, with comparison markers for Nambucca (A).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
326
% of total
5.8%
Change from 2016
+3.7pp
326
5.8%
+3.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
611
% of total
10.9%
Change from 2016
+9.5pp
611
10.9%
+9.5pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,848
% of total
33.0%
Change from 2016
+25.5pp
1,848
33.0%
+25.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
401
% of total
7.2%
Change from 2016
+4.4pp
401
7.2%
+4.4pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,826
% of total
32.6%
Change from 2016
-46.1pp
1,826
32.6%
-46.1pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
19
% of total
0.3%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
19
0.3%
-0.2pp
Not Stated
2021 count
577
% of total
10.3%
Change from 2016
+3.3pp
577
10.3%
+3.3pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+232
+3.7pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+548
+9.5pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+1,504
+25.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+274
+4.4pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
-1,767
-46.1pp
Did Not Go To School
-5
-0.2pp
Not Stated
+256
+3.3pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Nambucca Heads. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Nambucca (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Nambucca (A)% | Count | % | Nambucca (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 326 | 5.8% | 5.3% | 94 | 2.1% | 6.7% | +232 | +3.7pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 611 | 10.9% | 9.8% | 63 | 1.4% | 11.0% | +548 | +9.5pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 1,848 | 33.0% | 32.8% | 344 | 7.5% | 33.2% | +1,504 | +25.5pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 401 | 7.2% | 6.7% | 127 | 2.8% | 6.3% | +274 | +4.4pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 1,826 | 32.6% | 35.9% | 3,593 | 78.7% | 31.0% | -1,767 | -46.1pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 19 | 0.3% | 0.3% | 24 | 0.5% | 0.3% | -5 | -0.2pp |
| Not Stated | 577 | 10.3% | 9.2% | 321 | 7.0% | 11.5% | +256 | +3.3pp |
| Total | 5,608 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,566 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +1,042 | 0.0pp |