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 Playford (C), accounting for 41.6% (30,272 people). This share was lower than Greater Adelaide (59.2%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 6,296 people and 5 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Playford (C) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Playford (C) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Greater Adelaide and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Playford (C), with comparison markers for Greater Adelaide.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
3,736
% of total
5.1%
Change from 2016
-0.6pp
3,736
5.1%
-0.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
4,298
% of total
5.9%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
4,298
5.9%
-0.9pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
13,813
% of total
19.0%
Change from 2016
-1.1pp
13,813
19.0%
-1.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
13,756
% of total
18.9%
Change from 2016
-0.9pp
13,756
18.9%
-0.9pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
30,272
% of total
41.6%
Change from 2016
+5.0pp
30,272
41.6%
+5.0pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
1,592
% of total
2.2%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
1,592
2.2%
+0.6pp
Not Stated
2021 count
5,363
% of total
7.4%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
5,363
7.4%
-2.0pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-12
-0.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-121
-0.9pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+643
-1.1pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+789
-0.9pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+6,296
+5.0pp
Did Not Go To School
+550
+0.6pp
Not Stated
-761
-2.0pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Playford (C). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Greater Adelaide.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Greater Adelaide% | Count | % | Greater Adelaide% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 3,736 | 5.1% | 3.9% | 3,748 | 5.7% | 4.9% | -12 | -0.6pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 4,298 | 5.9% | 3.5% | 4,419 | 6.8% | 4.0% | -121 | -0.9pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 13,813 | 19.0% | 12.7% | 13,170 | 20.1% | 13.8% | +643 | -1.1pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 13,756 | 18.9% | 14.8% | 12,967 | 19.8% | 15.7% | +789 | -0.9pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 30,272 | 41.6% | 59.2% | 23,976 | 36.6% | 53.5% | +6,296 | +5.0pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 1,592 | 2.2% | 1.2% | 1,042 | 1.6% | 1.0% | +550 | +0.6pp |
| Not Stated | 5,363 | 7.4% | 4.8% | 6,124 | 9.4% | 7.0% | -761 | -2.0pp |
| Total | 72,830 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 65,446 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +7,384 | 0.0pp |