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 34.9% (3,242 people). This share was lower than Regional WA (42.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 347 people and 2.8 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
381
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
381
4.1%
-0.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
627
% of total
6.7%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
627
6.7%
-0.2pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
2,618
% of total
28.2%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
2,618
28.2%
0.0pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,058
% of total
11.4%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
1,058
11.4%
+0.5pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
3,242
% of total
34.9%
Change from 2016
+2.8pp
3,242
34.9%
+2.8pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
36
% of total
0.4%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
36
0.4%
0.0pp
Not Stated
2021 count
1,329
% of total
14.3%
Change from 2016
-2.9pp
1,329
14.3%
-2.9pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-13
-0.3pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+3
-0.2pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+72
0.0pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+79
+0.5pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+347
+2.8pp
Did Not Go To School
+4
0.0pp
Not Stated
-218
-2.9pp
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 | 381 | 4.1% | 3.2% | 394 | 4.4% | 3.8% | -13 | -0.3pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 627 | 6.7% | 5.4% | 624 | 6.9% | 5.6% | +3 | -0.2pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 2,618 | 28.2% | 25.7% | 2,546 | 28.2% | 26.4% | +72 | 0.0pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 1,058 | 11.4% | 11.6% | 979 | 10.9% | 11.9% | +79 | +0.5pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 3,242 | 34.9% | 42.1% | 2,895 | 32.1% | 38.7% | +347 | +2.8pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 36 | 0.4% | 0.5% | 32 | 0.4% | 0.5% | +4 | 0.0pp |
| Not Stated | 1,329 | 14.3% | 11.5% | 1,547 | 17.2% | 12.9% | -218 | -2.9pp |
| Total | 9,291 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 9,017 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +274 | 0.0pp |