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 Northern Areas (DC), accounting for 40.1% (1,456 people). This share was higher than Regional SA (38.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 168 people and 4.2 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Northern Areas (DC) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Northern Areas (DC) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Northern Areas (DC), with comparison markers for Regional SA.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
218
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
218
6.0%
-1.2pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
220
% of total
6.1%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
220
6.1%
0.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
652
% of total
18.0%
Change from 2016
-2.1pp
652
18.0%
-2.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
814
% of total
22.4%
Change from 2016
+0.9pp
814
22.4%
+0.9pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,456
% of total
40.1%
Change from 2016
+4.2pp
1,456
40.1%
+4.2pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
14
% of total
0.4%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
14
0.4%
+0.2pp
Not Stated
2021 count
253
% of total
7.0%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
253
7.0%
-2.0pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-39
-1.2pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
0
0.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-69
-2.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+45
+0.9pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+168
+4.2pp
Did Not Go To School
+7
+0.2pp
Not Stated
-69
-2.0pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Northern Areas (DC). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 218 | 6.0% | 5.7% | 257 | 7.2% | 7.2% | -39 | -1.2pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 220 | 6.1% | 6.1% | 220 | 6.1% | 6.6% | 0 | 0.0pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 652 | 18.0% | 19.6% | 721 | 20.1% | 19.9% | -69 | -2.1pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 814 | 22.4% | 21.0% | 769 | 21.5% | 21.1% | +45 | +0.9pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 1,456 | 40.1% | 38.8% | 1,288 | 35.9% | 34.5% | +168 | +4.2pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 14 | 0.4% | 0.5% | 7 | 0.2% | 0.4% | +7 | +0.2pp |
| Not Stated | 253 | 7.0% | 8.3% | 322 | 9.0% | 10.4% | -69 | -2.0pp |
| Total | 3,627 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3,584 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +43 | 0.0pp |