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 Port Pirie City and Dists (M), accounting for 34.2% (4,666 people). This share was lower than Regional SA (38.8%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 530 people and 3.7 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Port Pirie City and Dists (M) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Port Pirie City and Dists (M) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional SA and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Port Pirie City and Dists (M), with comparison markers for Regional SA.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
1,067
% of total
7.8%
Change from 2016
-1.8pp
1,067
7.8%
-1.8pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
987
% of total
7.2%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
987
7.2%
-0.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
2,713
% of total
19.9%
Change from 2016
-0.5pp
2,713
19.9%
-0.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
3,151
% of total
23.1%
Change from 2016
+0.7pp
3,151
23.1%
+0.7pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
4,666
% of total
34.2%
Change from 2016
+3.7pp
4,666
34.2%
+3.7pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
63
% of total
0.5%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
63
0.5%
+0.2pp
Not Stated
2021 count
997
% of total
7.3%
Change from 2016
-2.0pp
997
7.3%
-2.0pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-237
-1.8pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-27
-0.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-51
-0.5pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+117
+0.7pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+530
+3.7pp
Did Not Go To School
+17
+0.2pp
Not Stated
-264
-2.0pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Port Pirie City and Dists (M). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional SA.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | % | Regional SA% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 1,067 | 7.8% | 5.7% | 1,304 | 9.6% | 7.2% | -237 | -1.8pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 987 | 7.2% | 6.1% | 1,014 | 7.5% | 6.6% | -27 | -0.3pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 2,713 | 19.9% | 19.6% | 2,764 | 20.4% | 19.9% | -51 | -0.5pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 3,151 | 23.1% | 21.0% | 3,034 | 22.4% | 21.1% | +117 | +0.7pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 4,666 | 34.2% | 38.8% | 4,136 | 30.5% | 34.5% | +530 | +3.7pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 63 | 0.5% | 0.5% | 46 | 0.3% | 0.4% | +17 | +0.2pp |
| Not Stated | 997 | 7.3% | 8.3% | 1,261 | 9.3% | 10.4% | -264 | -2.0pp |
| Total | 13,644 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 13,559 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +85 | 0.0pp |