Gross Enrollment Ratio - Secondary Education
Total secondary education enrollment regardless of age, expressed as percentage of official secondary school-age population.
Quick Reference
Unit
%
Category
Education
Metric Code
gross_enrollment_secondary
How It's Calculated
Total number of students enrolled in secondary education (all ages) divided by the population of official secondary school age (typically 12-17 years), multiplied by 100. Combines lower secondary (grades 7-9) and upper secondary (grades 10-12). Based on administrative enrollment data and census population estimates. Follows UNESCO UIS methodology.
Why It Matters
Secondary enrollment is a gateway to economic opportunity and a key equity indicator. Countries with low secondary enrollment face skills gaps, limiting economic diversification and competitiveness. Gender gaps at secondary level perpetuate income inequality and limit women's economic participation. High enrollment signals investment in youth development and human capital formation.
Understanding the Values
Very Low: < 50% (severe gaps - Niger 19%, Chad 22%) Low: 50-75% (expanding - sub-Saharan Africa ~45%) Moderate: 75-95% (approaching universal - middle-income average) High: 95-110% (near-universal - OECD countries) Very High: > 110% (over-enrollment - adult learners, repetition) SDG 4.1: Universal free, equitable secondary education by 2030 Global average: ~77% (2023) Note: Completion rates are much lower than enrollment (dropout problem).
Related Metrics
Government Expenditure on Education (% of GDP)
Total government spending on education as percentage of gross domestic product, measuring national investment in education systems.
Gross Enrollment Ratio - Primary Education
Total primary education enrollment regardless of age, expressed as percentage of official primary school-age population.
Secondary School Enrollment Rate
Gross enrollment ratio for secondary education, measuring total enrollment as percentage of secondary school-age population.
Tertiary School Enrollment Rate
Gross enrollment ratio for tertiary education, measuring total enrollment as percentage of the 5-year age group following secondary education.
Data Quality & Coverage
Coverage: 190+ countries Update frequency: Annual Source: World Bank Education Statistics / UNESCO UIS Limitations: Gross ratio inflated by over-age students (repeaters, late entrants). Does not measure learning outcomes or curriculum quality. Gender parity index (GPI) not shown - girls often underrepresented in secondary education in low-income countries. Urban-rural disparities significant. Does not track vocational vs academic pathways.