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 Stephens (A), accounting for 40.1% (24,053 people). This share was lower than Regional NSW (44.5%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 4,743 people and 4.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Port Stephens (A) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Port Stephens (A) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional NSW and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Port Stephens (A), with comparison markers for Regional NSW.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
2,390
% of total
4.0%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
2,390
4.0%
-0.4pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
5,087
% of total
8.5%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
5,087
8.5%
-1.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
19,891
% of total
33.1%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
19,891
33.1%
-0.4pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
4,405
% of total
7.3%
Change from 2016
+0.5pp
4,405
7.3%
+0.5pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
24,053
% of total
40.1%
Change from 2016
+4.9pp
24,053
40.1%
+4.9pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
190
% of total
0.3%
Change from 2016
0.0pp
190
0.3%
0.0pp
Not Stated
2021 count
3,998
% of total
6.7%
Change from 2016
-3.5pp
3,998
6.7%
-3.5pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-43
-0.4pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-119
-1.0pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+1,545
-0.4pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+667
+0.5pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+4,743
+4.9pp
Did Not Go To School
+16
0.0pp
Not Stated
-1,595
-3.5pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Port Stephens (A). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional NSW.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | % | Regional NSW% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 2,390 | 4.0% | 4.3% | 2,433 | 4.4% | 5.4% | -43 | -0.4pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 5,087 | 8.5% | 7.3% | 5,206 | 9.5% | 8.3% | -119 | -1.0pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 19,891 | 33.1% | 28.7% | 18,346 | 33.5% | 29.9% | +1,545 | -0.4pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 4,405 | 7.3% | 6.7% | 3,738 | 6.8% | 6.4% | +667 | +0.5pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 24,053 | 40.1% | 44.5% | 19,310 | 35.2% | 39.2% | +4,743 | +4.9pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 190 | 0.3% | 0.5% | 174 | 0.3% | 0.4% | +16 | 0.0pp |
| Not Stated | 3,998 | 6.7% | 8.1% | 5,593 | 10.2% | 10.2% | -1,595 | -3.5pp |
| Total | 60,014 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 54,800 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +5,214 | 0.0pp |