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 Penrith, accounting for 49.8% (7,446 people). This share was lower than Penrith (C) (50%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 7,381 people and 16.6 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Penrith - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Penrith 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 Penrith, with comparison markers for Penrith (C).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
537
% of total
3.6%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
537
3.6%
-2.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
895
% of total
6.0%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
895
6.0%
-1.1pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
3,330
% of total
22.3%
Change from 2016
-18.5pp
3,330
22.3%
-18.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
947
% of total
6.3%
Change from 2016
+1.2pp
947
6.3%
+1.2pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
7,446
% of total
49.8%
Change from 2016
+16.6pp
7,446
49.8%
+16.6pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
115
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
+0.8pp
115
0.8%
+0.8pp
Not Stated
2021 count
1,681
% of total
11.2%
Change from 2016
+3.0pp
1,681
11.2%
+3.0pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
+526
-2.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+881
-1.1pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+3,250
-18.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+937
+1.2pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+7,381
+16.6pp
Did Not Go To School
+115
+0.8pp
Not Stated
+1,665
+3.0pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Penrith. 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 | 537 | 3.6% | 3.7% | 11 | 5.6% | 4.5% | +526 | -2.0pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 895 | 6.0% | 5.8% | 14 | 7.1% | 6.7% | +881 | -1.1pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 3,330 | 22.3% | 26.5% | 80 | 40.8% | 29.3% | +3,250 | -18.5pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 947 | 6.3% | 5.9% | 10 | 5.1% | 5.9% | +937 | +1.2pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 7,446 | 49.8% | 50.0% | 65 | 33.2% | 44.6% | +7,381 | +16.6pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 115 | 0.8% | 0.8% | 0 | 0.0% | 0.6% | +115 | +0.8pp |
| Not Stated | 1,681 | 11.2% | 7.3% | 16 | 8.2% | 8.3% | +1,665 | +3.0pp |
| Total | 14,951 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 196 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +14,755 | 0.0pp |