• The annual dropout rate for students aged 14 to 18 years is a useful indicator because it measures the success or failure that a school district is having in keeping students engaged and continuously involved in their learning without interruption.
• The annual dropout rates for students aged 14 to 18 have decreased for both school districts. This demonstrates the success that educational stakeholders in school districts, supported by the Ministry of Education, are having in keeping students in school through to high school completion.

Education is a significant determinant of health, as educational attainment influences career options and lifetime earning potential. University graduates earn significantly higher incomes than high school graduates—on a per annum and lifetime basis. Education also provides some protection against economic fluctuations. Individuals with higher education are less likely to become unemployed in the event of an economic downturn. They are also more likely to achieve financial security after retiring. The importance of education has grown as the economy becomes increasingly reliant on industries that require specialized knowledge and technical expertise.