There is a well-known, large and persistent association between education and health, and a strong link between qualifications, income and employment.
Research conducted as part of the Christchurch Health and Development Study found that socioeconomic status at birth is strongly linked to educational achievement. This may result in a vicious cycle in which children in poorer households are less likely to gain qualifications, and therefore more likely to experience unemployment or low incomes. The same study found that those who did not gain qualifications were also at increased risk of criminal offending.
In 2006, around one-third of Christchurch residents had some form of post-school qualification including a bachelors or higher degree. Approximately one in five Christchurch residents had no formal qualification, although this figure had been declining over the previous twenty years.
Read the full issue summary for education [PDF] - last updated November 2011.