Completion rates of pupils in upper secondary education, 1999-2004

There are significant differences in the throughput rates of pupils and apprentices in general and vocational studies in upper secondary education. In the 1999 cohort, 84 per cent of pupils in general studies completed their education within five years. The corresponding figure for pupils and apprentices in vocational studies was 55 per cent. The highest drop-out rates were found in woodworking trades with 51 per cent, hotel and food processing trades with 46 per cent and engineering and mechanical trades with 46 per cent. Only 12 per cent of pupils enrolled in music and dance studies dropped out.

To drop out from upper secondary education means that the pupil or apprentice is no longer registered in upper secondary education. The reason could be that they have started another education, travelled abroad or become employed, among others.

Stable drop-out rates

The drop-out rates have been stable for the past four cohorts. One in four pupils or apprentices drop out of upper secondary education within five years of starting their studies. The gender differences have also remained stable. Three out of ten boys and two out of ten girls in the 1999 cohort dropped out of upper secondary education.

The social background of pupils has a strong effect on completion and drop-out rates in upper secondary education. More than half of the boys whose parents' had primary and lower secondary education dropped out of upper secondary education in the 1999 cohort. In comparison, only 12 per cent of boys whose parents' had a long tertiary education dropped out. The corresponding figures for girls were 39 and 6 per cent respectively.

Tables:

• Table 1 Pupils who started a basic course for the first time in 1994, 1997, 1998 and 1999, by completed upper secondary education within five years and by gender. Per cent
• Table 2 Pupils who started a basic course for the first time in 1998 and 1999, by completed upper secondary education within five years, areas of study and gender. Per cent
• Table 3 Pupils who started a basic course for the first time in 1998 and 1999, by completed upper secondary education within five years, gender and parents' level of education. Per cent
• Table 4 Pupils and who started a basic course for the first time in 1998 and 1999, by completed upper secondary education within five years, gender and county of residence at 16 years of age. Per cent
• Table 5 Immigrants who started a basic course for the first time in 1998 and 1999, by completed upper secondary education within five years, gender and country background. Per cent