Completion rates of pupils in upper secondary education, 2001-2006

18 per cent of the pupils/apprentices dropped out before or within the final year. 6 per cent of the pupils/apprentices enrolled in final year but failed in examinations, and therefore did not complete upper secondary education. At 1 October 2006, 7 per cent of the 2001 cohort were still in upper secondary education and had not completed general or vocational education.

In the 2001 cohort, 57 per cent completed upper secondary education according to normativ length of study. This is one per cent more compared with the 2000 cohort. Completed education means that the pupil/apprentice has passed all examinations and is eligible for a high school diploma or a vocational certificate.

The proportion of pupils/apprentices who complete general or vocational education within five years is stable. In the years 1994, 1998, 2000 and 2001, the proportion varies between 68 and 72 per cent.

Most drop-outs in vocational studies

There are significant differences in the throughput rates of pupils/apprentices in general and vocational studies in upper secondary education. Nearly three out of ten pupils in vocational studies who started a basic course for the first time in 2001, dropped out before or within the final year. In contrast only 6 per cent of the pupils in general areas of study dropped out.

Three out of ten immigrants drop out

54 per cent of the immigrants completed upper secondary education within five years. 44 per cent completed according to normative length of study. Nearly 30 per cent of the immigrants who enrolled in basic courses for the first time in 2001 dropped out. In upper secondary education, immigrants are defined as first generation immigrants and pupils who are born in Norway of two foreign-born parents.

Tables:

• Table 1 Pupils who started a basic course for the first time in 1994, 1998, 2000 and 2001, by completed upper secondary education whithin five years, and gender. Per cent
• Table 2 Pupils who started a basic course for the first time in 2000 and 2001, 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 2000 and 2001, 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 2000 and 2001, 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 2000 and 2001 by completed upper secondary education within five years, gender and country background. Per cent