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 McLaren Vale, accounting for 48.7% (1,712 people). This share was lower than Onkaparinga (C) (49.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 247 people and 4.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
McLaren Vale - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for McLaren Vale in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Onkaparinga (C) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for McLaren Vale, with comparison markers for Onkaparinga (C).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
151
% of total
4.3%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
151
4.3%
-0.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
183
% of total
5.2%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
183
5.2%
+0.4pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
628
% of total
17.9%
Change from 2016
-0.8pp
628
17.9%
-0.8pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
648
% of total
18.4%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
648
18.4%
+0.1pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,712
% of total
48.7%
Change from 2016
+4.6pp
1,712
48.7%
+4.6pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
4
% of total
0.1%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
4
0.1%
+0.1pp
Not Stated
2021 count
188
% of total
5.4%
Change from 2016
-3.8pp
188
5.4%
-3.8pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-13
-0.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+22
+0.4pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+7
-0.8pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+41
+0.1pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+247
+4.6pp
Did Not Go To School
+4
+0.1pp
Not Stated
-117
-3.8pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for McLaren Vale. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Onkaparinga (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Onkaparinga (C)% | Count | % | Onkaparinga (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 151 | 4.3% | 3.1% | 164 | 4.9% | 3.7% | -13 | -0.6pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 183 | 5.2% | 5.2% | 161 | 4.8% | 5.6% | +22 | +0.4pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 628 | 17.9% | 17.7% | 621 | 18.7% | 18.8% | +7 | -0.8pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 648 | 18.4% | 19.7% | 607 | 18.3% | 20.4% | +41 | +0.1pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 1,712 | 48.7% | 49.2% | 1,465 | 44.1% | 44.3% | +247 | +4.6pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 4 | 0.1% | 0.3% | 0 | 0.0% | 0.2% | +4 | +0.1pp |
| Not Stated | 188 | 5.4% | 4.9% | 305 | 9.2% | 6.9% | -117 | -3.8pp |
| Total | 3,514 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 3,323 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +191 | 0.0pp |