Highest year of school completed (HSCP)

This variable records the highest level of primary or secondary schooling completed. The data is used to help build a picture of the education levels attained in each area of Australia and to assist in the planning of educational facilities.

Persons aged 15 years and over

This variable is sourced directly from the highest year of primary or secondary school question on the Census form. The responses are captured automatically from mark box responses. Respondents are asked to only mark one response. Where respondents provided more than one response, the responses are accepted in the order they appear on the form and extra responses are rejected.

The question relating to Highest year of school completed where respondents reported their highest level of educational attainment was first asked in the 1911 Census. In 2016 some minor adjustment to the wording of the question instructions was made for the purposes of clarity.

No changes have been made for 2021.

The 'Still at school' category has been excluded from the classification since 2006. It allowed the level of highest educational attainment to be determined for people still at school. From 2006 onwards, those still studying at school and the year level they are currently in can be identified by cross-classifying Highest year of school completed (HSCP) and Type of educational institution attending (TYPP). Full-time/part-time student status (STUP) may also be used.

The non-response rate for Highest year of school completed (HSCP) was 6.6% in 2021. This is a decrease from 8.6% in 2016. 

• Type of educational institution attending (TYPP)
• Full-time/part-time student status (STUP)
• Level of highest educational attainment (HEAP)
• Attainment of Year 12 or Certificate II or higher (YR12C2P)
• Attainment of Year 12 or Certificate III or higher (YR12C3P)

• Education
• Education and training: Census