Primary and secondary education; 2026 GEM Report: Access and equity

Primary and secondary education; 2026 GEM Report: Access and equity

Between 2000 and 2024, the number of learners in school has grown rapidly. Primary enrolment increased by 19%, lower secondary by 28% and upper secondary by 73%, adding 327 million students. Since 2000, sub‑Saharan Africa has more than doubled primary enrolment and more than tripled secondary enrolment; in low‑income countries, secondary enrolment has almost quadrupled. Over the same period, the school‑age population fell by 9% in upper‑middle‑ and high‑income countries, rose by 25% in lower‑middle‑income countries and doubled in low‑income countries. Find out more: https://www.unesco.org/gem-report/en/publication/equity-and-access #YourStoryCounts