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 Northam (S), accounting for 35.8% (3,207 people). This share was lower than Regional WA (43.3%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 343 people and 2.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Northam (S) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Northam (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 Northam (S), with comparison markers for Regional WA.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
364
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
364
4.1%
-0.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
536
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
536
6.0%
-0.4pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
2,509
% of total
28.0%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
2,509
28.0%
-0.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
973
% of total
10.9%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
973
10.9%
+0.6pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
3,207
% of total
35.8%
Change from 2016
+2.9pp
3,207
35.8%
+2.9pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
30
% of total
0.3%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
30
0.3%
-0.1pp
Not Stated
2021 count
1,336
% of total
14.9%
Change from 2016
-2.6pp
1,336
14.9%
-2.6pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-22
-0.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-19
-0.4pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+65
-0.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+79
+0.6pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+343
+2.9pp
Did Not Go To School
-2
-0.1pp
Not Stated
-188
-2.6pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Northam (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 | 364 | 4.1% | 3.2% | 386 | 4.4% | 3.9% | -22 | -0.3pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 536 | 6.0% | 4.6% | 555 | 6.4% | 5.0% | -19 | -0.4pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 2,509 | 28.0% | 25.4% | 2,444 | 28.1% | 26.3% | +65 | -0.1pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 973 | 10.9% | 11.1% | 894 | 10.3% | 11.4% | +79 | +0.6pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 3,207 | 35.8% | 43.3% | 2,864 | 32.9% | 39.9% | +343 | +2.9pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 30 | 0.3% | 0.5% | 32 | 0.4% | 0.5% | -2 | -0.1pp |
| Not Stated | 1,336 | 14.9% | 11.9% | 1,524 | 17.5% | 13.2% | -188 | -2.6pp |
| Total | 8,955 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 8,699 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +256 | 0.0pp |