Education
Qualifications
About this topic
Qualifications records the highest non-school qualification completed by people aged 15 years and over. It describes post-school educational attainment such as certificates, diplomas, and university degrees.
This topic is a key indicator of skill level and socio-economic opportunity within an area. It is most useful when read with employment status, occupation, and income, which show how qualifications relate to labour market outcomes.
Interpretation notes
- This topic uses highest completed non-school qualification, so incomplete study and current enrolment do not count as attained qualifications.
- It applies to people aged 15 years and over and should be read with schooling for the full education profile.
Related topics
Key insight
In 2021, no qualification was the most common qualification level among residents aged 15 and over in Northampton, accounting for 52.8% (372 people). This share was higher than Northampton (S) (45.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in no qualification, which increased by 11 people and 1.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Northampton - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Northampton in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Northampton (S) and change since 2016.
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Northampton, with comparison markers for Northampton (S).
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
52
% of total
7.4%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
52
7.4%
+1.0pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
35
% of total
5.0%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
35
5.0%
-0.8pp
Vocational
2021 count
128
% of total
18.2%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
128
18.2%
-0.5pp
No Qualification
2021 count
372
% of total
52.8%
Change from 2016
+1.4pp
372
52.8%
+1.4pp
Not Stated
2021 count
117
% of total
16.6%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
117
16.6%
-1.1pp
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
+7
+1.0pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
-6
-0.8pp
Vocational
-3
-0.5pp
No Qualification
+11
+1.4pp
Not Stated
-7
-1.1pp
Data table
Qualifications for Northampton. Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Northampton (S).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Northampton (S)% | Count | % | Northampton (S)% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 52 | 7.4% | 8.9% | 45 | 6.4% | 7.2% | +7 | +1.0pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 35 | 5.0% | 6.1% | 41 | 5.8% | 6.6% | -6 | -0.8pp |
| Vocational | 128 | 18.2% | 22.1% | 131 | 18.7% | 22.6% | -3 | -0.5pp |
| No Qualification | 372 | 52.8% | 45.9% | 361 | 51.4% | 47.6% | +11 | +1.4pp |
| Not Stated | 117 | 16.6% | 16.9% | 124 | 17.7% | 15.9% | -7 | -1.1pp |
| Total | 704 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 702 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2 | 0.0pp |