High-school completion rates continue to improve for all B.C. students, as confirmed by the latest Ministry of Education data released today.

The six-year completion rates from 2016–17 throughout the province show that more students overall are completing high school, with the greatest increases for Indigenous students and students with special needs.

“As a new government, our vision is to boost student achievement and grad rates. High school completion is a key that opens doors for people, no matter what path they choose,” said Education Minister Rob Fleming.

“These consistent increases mean more students are able to take advantage of those opportunities. We will keep working to raise the six-year completion rate. We’ve seen positive improvements for students with diverse needs and Indigenous learners, but there is more work to be done to ensure all students can recognize their full potential.”

The completion rate for Indigenous students in 2016–17 increased 2.1% over 2015–16, to 65.9%. Over the last 10 years, the rate for Indigenous students has increased by 19%, up from 46.9% in 2007–08.

Students with special needs are completing high school at a rate of 69.4%, up 2.4% from the year before. These students have seen a 25.3% increase in completion rates over the last 10 years, up from 44.1% in 2007–08.

Overall completion rates increase steadily each year; 84% this year, up from 83.6% last year. The overall completion rate has increased 5.2% over the past 10 years, from 78.8% in 2007–08.

The six-year completion rate calculates the number of students who graduated within six years from the time they enrolled in Grade 8.

Updated information on high school completion rates can be found online: http://www.bced.gov.bc.ca/reporting/systemperformance/?sd=099&evidence=completion-rates