Secondary School Enrollment Rate
Gross enrollment ratio for secondary education, measuring total enrollment as percentage of secondary school-age population.
Quick Reference
Unit
%
Category
Education
Metric Code
secondary_school_enrollment
How It's Calculated
Total enrollment in secondary education (regardless of age) divided by the population of official secondary school age (typically ages 12-17, varies by country), multiplied by 100. Based on UNESCO UIS surveys and administrative data. Includes lower and upper secondary (grades 7-12 equivalent). Can exceed 100% when over-age or under-age students are enrolled.
Why It Matters
Secondary education builds on foundational skills, preparing youth for technical/vocational training, tertiary education, or workforce entry. It is critical for economic productivity, social mobility, and gender equity (girls' secondary education strongly correlates with reduced child marriage and maternal mortality). SDG 4.1 targets universal secondary completion by 2030.
Understanding the Values
Very Low: < 40% (major barriers - low-income countries, gender gaps) Low: 40-70% (expanding access - many African countries) Moderate: 70-90% (approaching universal - Latin America average ~85%) High: 90-105% (near-universal - most developed countries) Very High: > 105% (over-enrollment - repetition or non-traditional students) SDG 4.1 Target: Universal free secondary education by 2030 Global average: ~77% (2023) Sub-Saharan Africa: ~45% Europe/North America: ~105%
Related Metrics
Adult Literacy Rate
Percentage of population ages 15 and above who can read and write a short simple statement about their everyday life.
Gross Enrollment Ratio - Secondary Education
Total secondary education enrollment regardless of age, expressed as percentage of official secondary school-age population.
Primary School Enrollment Rate
Gross enrollment ratio for primary education, measuring total enrollment as percentage of primary 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 / UNESCO UIS Limitations: Gross enrollment does not measure completion (dropout rates are high at secondary level). Does not distinguish between lower secondary (grades 7-9) and upper secondary (grades 10-12). Quality and curriculum relevance not captured. Gender disparities significant in some regions. Private school enrollment rising but not always captured.