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 Palmerston (C), accounting for 53.3% (14,182 people). This share was lower than Greater Darwin (57.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 2,242 people and 3.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Palmerston (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Palmerston (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Darwin and change since 2016.
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Palmerston (C), with comparison markers for Greater Darwin.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
650
% of total
2.4%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
650
2.4%
0.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
897
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
897
3.4%
-0.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
4,620
% of total
17.4%
Change from 2016
-2.1pp
4,620
17.4%
-2.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
3,346
% of total
12.6%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
3,346
12.6%
-0.9pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
14,182
% of total
53.3%
Change from 2016
+3.6pp
14,182
53.3%
+3.6pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
155
% of total
0.6%
Change from 2016
+0.1pp
155
0.6%
+0.1pp
Not Stated
2021 count
2,758
% of total
10.4%
Change from 2016
-0.2pp
2,758
10.4%
-0.2pp
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+70
0.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+8
-0.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-56
-2.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+104
-0.9pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+2,242
+3.6pp
Did Not Go To School
+30
+0.1pp
Not Stated
+202
-0.2pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Palmerston (C). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Darwin.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Darwin% | Count | % | Greater Darwin% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 650 | 2.4% | 2.8% | 580 | 2.4% | 3.0% | +70 | 0.0pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 897 | 3.4% | 3.0% | 889 | 3.7% | 3.1% | +8 | -0.3pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 4,620 | 17.4% | 15.1% | 4,676 | 19.5% | 16.0% | -56 | -2.1pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 3,346 | 12.6% | 10.4% | 3,242 | 13.5% | 11.0% | +104 | -0.9pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 14,182 | 53.3% | 57.9% | 11,940 | 49.7% | 51.8% | +2,242 | +3.6pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 155 | 0.6% | 0.8% | 125 | 0.5% | 0.6% | +30 | +0.1pp |
| Not Stated | 2,758 | 10.4% | 9.9% | 2,556 | 10.6% | 14.4% | +202 | -0.2pp |
| Total | 26,608 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 24,008 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,600 | 0.0pp |