Education
Qualifications
About this topic
Qualifications records the highest non-school qualification completed by people aged 15 years and over. It describes post-school educational attainment such as certificates, diplomas, and university degrees.
This topic is a key indicator of skill level and socio-economic opportunity within an area. It is most useful when read with employment status, occupation, and income, which show how qualifications relate to labour market outcomes.
Interpretation notes
- This topic uses highest completed non-school qualification, so incomplete study and current enrolment do not count as attained qualifications.
- It applies to people aged 15 years and over and should be read with schooling for the full education profile.
Related topics
Key insight
In 2021, bachelor degree or higher was the most common qualification level among residents aged 15 and over in Burnley, accounting for 57.4% (401 people). This share was higher than Yarra (C) (56.1%). Since 2016, the biggest change was in no qualification, which decreased by 1,664 people and 22.8 percentage points.
Section overview
Highest qualification achieved
Burnley - Persons aged 15+ (Usual residence)
This table summarises qualifications for Burnley in 2021 for persons, with comparison against Yarra (C) and change since 2016.
Chart view
Highest qualification achieved snapshot
2021 distribution by category for Burnley, with comparison markers for Yarra (C).
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
2021 count
401
% of total
57.4%
Change from 2016
+32.9pp
401
57.4%
+32.9pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
2021 count
41
% of total
5.9%
Change from 2016
-4.8pp
41
5.9%
-4.8pp
Vocational
2021 count
60
% of total
8.6%
Change from 2016
-7.0pp
60
8.6%
-7.0pp
No Qualification
2021 count
136
% of total
19.5%
Change from 2016
-22.8pp
136
19.5%
-22.8pp
Not Stated
2021 count
60
% of total
8.6%
Change from 2016
+1.7pp
60
8.6%
+1.7pp
Highest qualification achieved change
Absolute change in category counts between 2016 and 2021.
Bachelor Or Higher Degree
-644
+32.9pp
Advanced Diploma Or Diploma
-414
-4.8pp
Vocational
-606
-7.0pp
No Qualification
-1,664
-22.8pp
Not Stated
-233
+1.7pp
Data table
Qualifications for Burnley. Highest qualification achieved. 2021 and 2016 counts, percentages, and change compared with Yarra (C).
| Category | 2021 | 2016 | Change | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Count | % | Yarra (C)% | Count | % | Yarra (C)% | Count | pp | |
| Bachelor Or Higher Degree | 401 | 57.4% | 56.1% | 1,045 | 24.5% | 48.2% | -644 | +32.9pp |
| Advanced Diploma Or Diploma | 41 | 5.9% | 7.7% | 455 | 10.7% | 7.7% | -414 | -4.8pp |
| Vocational | 60 | 8.6% | 7.8% | 666 | 15.6% | 8.1% | -606 | -7.0pp |
| No Qualification | 136 | 19.5% | 21.5% | 1,800 | 42.3% | 24.9% | -1,664 | -22.8pp |
| Not Stated | 60 | 8.6% | 6.9% | 293 | 6.9% | 11.2% | -233 | +1.7pp |
| Total | 698 | 100.0% | 100.0% | 4,259 | 100.0% | 100.0% | -3,561 | 0.0pp |