Number of pupils in primary education worldwide 2000-2023

The number of pupils in primary education worldwide increased over the past years. While around 655 million children were enrolled in primary school in 2000, the number reached nearly 770 million pupils in 2023. During the same time period, more and more pupils completed primary education, standing at nearly 90 percent in 2023. 

Secondary education

Since the turn of the millennium, the number of students in secondary education also increased significantly. About 452 million children were enrolled in some kind of secondary education in 2000; a number which has grown to 641 million in 2023. At the same time, the completion rate of lower secondary education also increased, reaching over 74 percent. 

Increasing literacy rates

Moreover, as more and more pupils enter and complete education, both youth and adult literacy rates increased worldwide, particularly among girls and women. Nevertheless, illiteracy remains a challenge in some world regions, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa.