The secondary education enrollment rate measures the percentage of persons in a country or state of a certain age who are enrolled in school programs classified as secondary.
Secondary education encompasses the end stage of compulsory education in most countries.
Because the end year of the compulsory age range typically arrives for most teens before their secondary education is complete, persistence in school past the end year reflects the desirability and importance of secondary-level credentials. Countries and states with high secondary education enrollment rates may have economies that require highly skilled labor forces and depend on the education system to provide necessary training. Countries and states with relatively high rates also may have a large number of students receiving more than one secondary education credential. For example, in Germany, many skilled workers graduate from secondary school with a vocational credential, then return to school later for a higher or different credential. Enrollment at age 16 dropped below 90 percent also in Czechoslovakia, Ireland, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.