United Kingdom Secondary Enrollment
School enrollment, secondary (% gross) SE.SEC.ENRR
United Kingdom's secondary enrollment was 109.93% in 2025, ranked 26th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 2000–2025.
Overview
United Kingdom's secondary enrollment stood at 109.93% in 2025, a decline of +2.47pp from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 109.93% by 2025. United Kingdom ranked 26th globally.
The United Kingdom’s secondary‑school enrollment rate reached 109.93 % in 2025, placing it 26th worldwide and slightly below peers such as Iceland (110.18 %) and New Zealand (110.24 %). The indicator has risen steadily since the earliest recorded value of 101.20 % in 2000, reflecting expanded access to post‑primary education and the inclusion of repeaters in the denominator. A pronounced trough occurred in 2012, when enrollment fell to 92.51 %, coinciding with austerity‑driven cuts to education funding and reduced school‑leaving age incentives. The subsequent recovery culminated in an all‑time peak of 128.71 % in 2014, driven by policy measures that encouraged higher participation and the counting of students in alternative pathways. Over the 24‑year coverage period, the UK has maintained a high‑level enrollment profile, though the modest decline to 109.93 % in 2025 suggests a re‑balancing after the 2014 surge. Continued investment in vocational routes and targeted outreach to disadvantaged groups will be crucial to sustain upward momentum.
Data & projection
| Year | Secondary Enrollment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 108.86% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 109.93% | - | - |
| 2025 | 109.93% | −2.47pp | #26 |
| 2023 | 112.40% | −0.85pp | #17 |
| 2022 | 113.26% | −0.42pp | #19 |
| 2021 | 113.68% | −0.89pp | #20 |
| 2020 | 114.57% | −2.52pp | #18 |
| 2019 | 117.09% | −2.91pp | #16 |
| 2018 | 119.99% | −5.52pp | #10 |
| 2017 | 125.51% | −0.47pp | #7 |
| 2015 | 125.98% | −2.74pp | #6 |
| 2014 | 128.71% | +2.72pp | #5 |
| 2013 | 126.00% | +33.49pp | #6 |
| 2012 | 92.51% | −1.65pp | #68 |
| 2011 | 94.16% | −9.30pp | #64 |
| 2010 | 103.46% | +2.83pp | #29 |
| 2009 | 100.63% | +1.82pp | #34 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
United Kingdom matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 1985. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw secondary enrollment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
United Kingdom's secondary enrollment was 109.93% in 2025. Ranked 26th globally. This represents a 2.2% decrease from the previous year.
United Kingdom's secondary enrollment peaked at 128.71% in 2014.
The lowest secondary enrollment in United Kingdom was 92.51% in 2012.
United Kingdom ranks 26th globally in secondary enrollment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SE.SEC.ENRR. Data sourced from World Bank.
United Kingdom's secondary enrollment is projected to reach 109.93% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The secondary enrollment of United Kingdom in 2025 was 109.93%. This ranks 26th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_united-kingdom_secondary-enrollment,
title = {United Kingdom Secondary Enrollment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/united-kingdom/secondary-enrollment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}