Number of pupils in secondary education worldwide 2000-2023
The number of pupils in secondary education worldwide increased almost constantly since 2000. While around 445 million children were enrolled in secondary school in 2000, the number reached about 641 million pupils in 2023. At the same time, the completion rate of lower secondary education also increased, reaching over 74 percent in 2023.
Primary education
Since the turn of the millennium, the number of pupils in primary education also increased significantly. About 655 million children were enrolled in primary education in 2000; a number which had grown to 771 million in 2023. However, a growing number of pupils complete primary education, reaching 88 percent in 2023.
Out-of-school population
Despite a growing number of students in primary and secondary schools, not all children are undertaking elementary education. 16 percent of girls were not in lower secondary schools in 2018, which was a slightly higher proportion than for boys. Furthermore, several pupils were hit by the COVID-19 pandemic which forced schools all around the world to close.
