STANDARD OUTPUT CATEGORIES
31. The hierarchical structure of the ASCED allows users the flexibility to output statistics at the level of the classification which best suits their requirements. Data can be presented by Broad Levels, Narrow Levels, or by the base Detailed (third) Levels. If necessary, significant Detailed Levels within a Narrow Level can be presented separately while the remaining Detailed Levels within the Narrow Level are aggregated. For example, the third-level category '611 Year 12' can be separately identified as an output category within the Narrow Level '61 Senior Secondary Education', with the remaining third-level Detailed Level categories in this Narrow Level aggregated in an 'Other Senior Secondary Education' category.
32. Regardless of the level of aggregation envisaged for the dissemination of data, wherever possible, data should be captured, classified and stored at the base level of the classification. Collecting and storing data at the most detailed level of the classification allows the greatest flexibility for the output of data, enables more detailed and complex analysis, facilitates comparisons with previous data using different classifications, and preserves information that may prove historically useful.
33. However, the constraints affecting each statistical collection or other application, such as problems with confidentiality or standard errors, may not permit the collection or output of data at the more detailed levels of the classification. Nevertheless, the use of a standard classification will enhance data comparability even though it may not always be possible to disseminate the data at the most detailed level.
Aggregation of categories
34. Output for 'Highest year of school completed' at the Broad Level of the ASCED Level of Education classification indicates completion of a Detailed Level category associated with the Broad Level. For example, output at Broad Level 6 (Secondary Education) indicates completion of at least one year of secondary school e.g. Year 9. A person need not have completed all individual years of secondary or primary education to be output at Broad Level 6 (Secondary Education) or Broad Level 7 (Primary Education). Therefore:
- A person who has completed at least one year of secondary schooling will have a 'Highest year of school completed' of 6 (Secondary Education) at the Broad Level of the classification.
- A person who has completed at least one year of primary schooling will have a 'Highest year of school completed' of 7 (Primary Education) at the Broad Level of the classification.
35. A footnote should be attached to any output on 'Highest year of school completed' at the Broad Level of the classification indicating that the data includes completion of any part of the constituent Detailed Levels for categories 6 and 7 and does not indicate completion of coursework to the highest constituent Detailed Level. Output at the Narrow Level of the classifications should be similarly treated.
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