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 Orchard Hills, accounting for 44.6% (687 people). This share was lower than Penrith (C) (48.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 10 or Equivalent, which decreased by 38 people and 1.5 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Orchard Hills - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Orchard Hills in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Penrith (C) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Orchard Hills, with comparison markers for Penrith (C).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
117
% of total
7.6%
Change from 2016
+1.0pp
117
7.6%
+1.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
107
% of total
6.9%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
107
6.9%
+0.2pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
476
% of total
30.9%
Change from 2016
-1.5pp
476
30.9%
-1.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
89
% of total
5.8%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
89
5.8%
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
687
% of total
44.6%
Change from 2016
+3.4pp
687
44.6%
+3.4pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
19
% of total
1.2%
Change from 2016
+0.4pp
19
1.2%
+0.4pp
Not Stated
2021 count
47
% of total
3.0%
Change from 2016
-3.4pp
47
3.0%
-3.4pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+12
+1.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+1
+0.2pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-38
-1.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
-3
0.0pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+34
+3.4pp
Did Not Go To School
+6
+0.4pp
Not Stated
-55
-3.4pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Orchard Hills. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Penrith (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Penrith (C)% | Count | % | Penrith (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 117 | 7.6% | 3.8% | 105 | 6.6% | 4.6% | +12 | +1.0pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 107 | 6.9% | 6.7% | 106 | 6.7% | 7.5% | +1 | +0.2pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 476 | 30.9% | 26.6% | 514 | 32.4% | 29.3% | -38 | -1.5pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 89 | 5.8% | 6.9% | 92 | 5.8% | 6.9% | -3 | 0.0pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 687 | 44.6% | 48.2% | 653 | 41.2% | 43.1% | +34 | +3.4pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 19 | 1.2% | 0.8% | 13 | 0.8% | 0.6% | +6 | +0.4pp |
| Not Stated | 47 | 3.0% | 7.0% | 102 | 6.4% | 8.0% | -55 | -3.4pp |
| Total | 1,542 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,585 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -43 | 0.0pp |