The line graphs show the percentage of men and women who completed upper secondary education in Norway, the UK, Italy, and Spain between 1996 and 2003.
Overall, Norway consistently had the highest rates for both genders. All four countries saw a general upward trend in completion rates, though the increase varied in scale.
Among females, Norway began at around 90% in 1996 and reached a peak of 100% by 2000, maintaining this level for a few years before a slight drop in 2003. In contrast, the UK showed a steady climb from about 65% to 85%, after which the figure remained stable. Meanwhile, Spain and Italy started at similar levels, both near 70%. However, Spain experienced a more uneven trend, with a dip after 2000 followed by a sharp rise to 75% in 2003. Italy, on the other hand, showed a more gradual increase, ending just below 70% by the end of the period.
For males, Norway again led, climbing from 90% to 100% by 2001, though it dropped sharply to around 90% in 2003. The UK’s male graduation rates mirrored the female trend, rising gradually and levelling off at 85% after 1999. Italy recorded a slow but steady increase from nearly 60% to 70%, while Spain lagged behind throughout the period, starting at roughly 50% and ending only slightly higher, at around 55%, despite a minor increase in the early years