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 Whitsunday (R), accounting for 43.6% (12,981 people). This share was lower than Regional Qld (50.7%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 2,609 people and 5 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Whitsunday (R) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Whitsunday (R) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Regional Qld and change since 2016.
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Whitsunday (R), with comparison markers for Regional Qld.
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
1,221
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
1,221
4.1%
-1.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
1,460
% of total
4.9%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
1,460
4.9%
-0.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
7,545
% of total
25.3%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
7,545
25.3%
-1.2pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
2,427
% of total
8.2%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
2,427
8.2%
-0.3pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
12,981
% of total
43.6%
Change from 2016
+5.0pp
12,981
43.6%
+5.0pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
135
% of total
0.5%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
135
0.5%
+0.2pp
Not Stated
2021 count
3,996
% of total
13.4%
Change from 2016
-2.4pp
3,996
13.4%
-2.4pp
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-153
-1.0pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+75
-0.3pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
+436
-1.2pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+130
-0.3pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+2,609
+5.0pp
Did Not Go To School
+47
+0.2pp
Not Stated
-246
-2.4pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Whitsunday (R). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Regional Qld.
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | % | Regional Qld% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 1,221 | 4.1% | 4.3% | 1,374 | 5.1% | 5.5% | -153 | -1.0pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 1,460 | 4.9% | 4.5% | 1,385 | 5.2% | 4.9% | +75 | -0.3pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 7,545 | 25.3% | 23.9% | 7,109 | 26.5% | 25.3% | +436 | -1.2pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 2,427 | 8.2% | 7.4% | 2,297 | 8.5% | 7.6% | +130 | -0.3pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 12,981 | 43.6% | 50.7% | 10,372 | 38.6% | 46.0% | +2,609 | +5.0pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 135 | 0.5% | 0.5% | 88 | 0.3% | 0.4% | +47 | +0.2pp |
| Not Stated | 3,996 | 13.4% | 8.8% | 4,242 | 15.8% | 10.4% | -246 | -2.4pp |
| Total | 29,765 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 26,867 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +2,898 | 0.0pp |