Secondary school completion rates fall below pre-pandemic levels

Secondary school completion rates dropped significantly, interrupting a growth trend and falling below pre-pandemic levels. This decline in 2024/2025, a 10.7 percentage point decrease, is linked to a 6,000 reduction in higher education admissions. Factors include exam volatility and increased entry requirements. The study suggests this trend could jeopardize the national goal of 50% of adults aged 25-34 holding a higher education diploma by 2030.