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 Lightning Ridge, accounting for 27.7% (461 people). This share was lower than Walgett (A) (29.4%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 10 or Equivalent, which decreased by 126 people and 2.9 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Lightning Ridge - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Lightning Ridge in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Walgett (A) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Lightning Ridge, with comparison markers for Walgett (A).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
139
% of total
8.4%
Change from 2016
-1.6pp
139
8.4%
-1.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
168
% of total
10.1%
Change from 2016
-0.1pp
168
10.1%
-0.1pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
411
% of total
24.7%
Change from 2016
-2.9pp
411
24.7%
-2.9pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
106
% of total
6.4%
Change from 2016
-1.4pp
106
6.4%
-1.4pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
461
% of total
27.7%
Change from 2016
+1.6pp
461
27.7%
+1.6pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
13
% of total
0.8%
Change from 2016
-0.4pp
13
0.8%
-0.4pp
Not Stated
2021 count
366
% of total
22.0%
Change from 2016
+4.8pp
366
22.0%
+4.8pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-55
-1.6pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
-30
-0.1pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-126
-2.9pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
-46
-1.4pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
-46
+1.6pp
Did Not Go To School
-11
-0.4pp
Not Stated
+32
+4.8pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Lightning Ridge. Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Walgett (A).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Walgett (A)% | Count | % | Walgett (A)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 139 | 8.4% | 6.1% | 194 | 10.0% | 9.1% | -55 | -1.6pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 168 | 10.1% | 8.7% | 198 | 10.2% | 10.4% | -30 | -0.1pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 411 | 24.7% | 22.7% | 537 | 27.6% | 27.0% | -126 | -2.9pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 106 | 6.4% | 5.7% | 152 | 7.8% | 7.7% | -46 | -1.4pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 461 | 27.7% | 29.4% | 507 | 26.1% | 29.1% | -46 | +1.6pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 13 | 0.8% | 0.8% | 24 | 1.2% | 1.1% | -11 | -0.4pp |
| Not Stated | 366 | 22.0% | 26.6% | 334 | 17.2% | 15.7% | +32 | +4.8pp |
| Total | 1,664 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 1,946 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -282 | 0.0pp |