% of population with secondary education only aged 25+ years

Data set notes

European Health for All database

Indicators: 565

Updated: 18 October 2024

Contact: Data and Digital Health Unit (DDH)

The following abbreviations are used in the indicator titles:

• SDR: age-standardized death rates (see HFA-DB user manual/Technical notes, page 13, for details)

• FTE: full-time equivalent

• PP: physical persons

• PPP$: purchasing power parities expressed in US $, an internationally comparable scale reflecting the relative domestic purchasing powers of currencies.

More information: http://www.euro.who.int/en/data-and-evidence/databases/european-health-for-all-database-hfa-db

Indicator notes

% of population with secondary education only aged 25+ years
Indicator code: E150505.T

Highest level of education attained corresponding to secondary education (lower or higher level).

Main data source: UNESCO Institute for Statistics.

For some countries, data received directly from national counterparts.

Country/Area notes

No information

General notes

Understanding the Percentage of Population with Secondary Education Only (Aged 25+ Years)

This indicator reflects the proportion of the adult population that has completed secondary education as their highest level of educational attainment. It is a critical metric for assessing the educational landscape of a region, providing insights into the workforce's qualification levels and the potential for further educational development. By focusing on individuals aged 25 years and older, this measure offers a clear picture of the educational foundation upon which current adult professionals and labor markets are built. Such data is essential for policymakers, educational institutions, and economic planners aiming to enhance educational policies and address the needs of their populations effectively.

Methodology for Calculating the Percentage of Population with Secondary Education Only (Aged 25+ Years)

The calculation of this demographic percentage involves analyzing data collected through national censuses and surveys that record educational attainment levels. The specific figure is derived by dividing the number of individuals who have achieved secondary education as their highest qualification by the total population in the same age group, and then multiplying the result by 100 to obtain a percentage. This method ensures a standardized approach, allowing for consistent comparisons across different regions and time periods. Accurate data collection and processing are crucial for this calculation, as they directly influence the reliability of the resulting percentage.

The Importance of Tracking the Percentage of Population with Secondary Education Only (Aged 25+ Years)

Understanding the percentage of the population with only secondary education is vital for several reasons. It helps governments and educational authorities gauge the educational attainment levels of the adult population, which in turn influences decisions regarding adult education programs, workforce development initiatives, and economic policies. This metric also assists in identifying potential gaps in higher education accessibility and can lead to targeted interventions aimed at encouraging further education. Additionally, it provides valuable insights for the private sector, particularly businesses looking to invest in regions with specific skill sets or educational levels in the workforce.

Strengths and Limitations of Analyzing the Percentage of Population with Secondary Education Only (Aged 25+ Years)

While this educational indicator is a valuable tool for understanding and improving educational systems, it comes with its own set of strengths and limitations.

Strengths

This metric provides a clear snapshot of the educational qualifications of the adult population, which is crucial for planning and implementing educational and economic policies. It allows for easy comparison across different regions and time periods, facilitating benchmarking and goal-setting in educational progress. Additionally, this indicator is often used to assess the alignment between the education system and the labor market needs, helping to guide curriculum developments and training programs tailored to current market demands.

Limitations

However, the indicator also has limitations. It does not capture information about the quality of education received or the specific skills and competencies acquired through secondary education. Furthermore, it may overlook the nuances of educational systems that differ significantly between countries, such as the length and content of secondary education programs. There is also a risk of data inaccuracy due to discrepancies in how educational levels are reported and recorded in different regions. Moreover, this metric does not reflect non-formal and informal learning paths, which can also contribute significantly to an individual's skills and employability.

In conclusion, while the percentage of the population with secondary education only is an informative indicator, it should be interpreted with an understanding of its broader context and limitations. It is most effective when used in conjunction with other educational and economic metrics to provide a comprehensive view of a region's educational landscape.