Iceland reports highest upper secondary graduation rates on record as disparities persist
The proportion of students completing their upper secondary education within four years has reached an all-time high, marking a steady increase since data collection began. Currently, around 64% of students who started their studies in 2018 graduated by 2022, with a dropout rate of about 20% over the last three years.
In 2015, the duration of upper secondary schooling was reduced from four years to three, leading to a noticeable rise in graduation rates between 2014 and 2015. The last cohort to begin under the four-year system was that of 2014, mainly consisting of students born in 1998, with 55.6% graduating four years later. A significant number of students who commenced their studies in 2015 (most born in 1999) graduated in 2019, with a completion rate of 60%.
However, the data reveals disparities in graduation rates based on students’ backgrounds. The highest completion rate, 80%, was observed among Iceland-born students with parents who were also born in Iceland. In contrast, only 41% of foreign-born students with foreign-born parents graduated four years post-enrollment in 2022.
A recent report addressed dropout rates in upper secondary schools, attributing them to unequal opportunities within Icelandic society. It emphasized the need for intervention in social circumstances and early support for students facing challenges.
The statistics collected by the Icelandic Statistical Authority since 1995 present a comprehensive overview of these educational trends, highlighting the improvements made while also identifying areas needing attention.