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 Willoughby (NSW), accounting for 75.8% (4,260 people). This share was lower than Willoughby (C) (79.9%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in Year 12 or Equivalent, which increased by 633 people and 3.4 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest level of secondary schooling completed
Willoughby (NSW) - Total persons (Usual residence)
This table summarises highest level of schooling for Willoughby (NSW) in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Willoughby (C) and change since 2016.
Highest level of secondary schooling completed snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Willoughby (NSW), with comparison markers for Willoughby (C).
Year 8 Or Below
2021 count
140
% of total
2.5%
Change from 2016
-1.2pp
140
2.5%
-1.2pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
2021 count
190
% of total
3.4%
Change from 2016
+0.6pp
190
3.4%
+0.6pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
2021 count
511
% of total
9.1%
Change from 2016
-1.7pp
511
9.1%
-1.7pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
2021 count
232
% of total
4.1%
Change from 2016
+0.2pp
232
4.1%
+0.2pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
2021 count
4,260
% of total
75.8%
Change from 2016
+3.4pp
4,260
75.8%
+3.4pp
Did Not Go To School
2021 count
40
% of total
0.7%
Change from 2016
-0.3pp
40
0.7%
-0.3pp
Not Stated
2021 count
248
% of total
4.4%
Change from 2016
-1.0pp
248
4.4%
-1.0pp
Chart view
Highest level of secondary schooling completed change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Year 8 Or Below
-44
-1.2pp
Year 9 Or Equivalent
+48
+0.6pp
Year 10 Or Equivalent
-31
-1.7pp
Year 11 Or Equivalent
+36
+0.2pp
Year 12 Or Equivalent
+633
+3.4pp
Did Not Go To School
-9
-0.3pp
Not Stated
-20
-1.0pp
Data table
Highest level of schooling for Willoughby (NSW). Highest level of secondary schooling completed. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Willoughby (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Willoughby (C)% | Count | % | Willoughby (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Year 8 Or Below | 140 | 2.5% | 1.9% | 184 | 3.7% | 2.2% | -44 | -1.2pp |
| Year 9 Or Equivalent | 190 | 3.4% | 2.6% | 142 | 2.8% | 2.6% | +48 | +0.6pp |
| Year 10 Or Equivalent | 511 | 9.1% | 7.2% | 542 | 10.8% | 7.9% | -31 | -1.7pp |
| Year 11 Or Equivalent | 232 | 4.1% | 3.6% | 196 | 3.9% | 3.7% | +36 | +0.2pp |
| Year 12 Or Equivalent | 4,260 | 75.8% | 79.9% | 3,627 | 72.4% | 77.1% | +633 | +3.4pp |
| Did Not Go To School | 40 | 0.7% | 0.8% | 49 | 1.0% | 0.7% | -9 | -0.3pp |
| Not Stated | 248 | 4.4% | 4.0% | 268 | 5.4% | 5.8% | -20 | -1.0pp |
| Total | 5,621 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 5,008 | 100.0% | 100.0% | +613 | 0.0pp |