Otago is above the national average in educational achievement and enrolment.
Education Minister Hekia Parata yesterday released the latest data about different stages of the national education system, and how the country's 16 regions were faring.
It showed participation in early childhood education and percentages of students meeting standards in primary school, as well as levels of achievement for NCEA and University Entrance.
The Government also disclosed its targets for educational achievement.
In Otago, the number of children in pre-school programmes has steadily increased from 2010.
This year to date, 98.5% of children starting primary school in Otago attended early childhood education, exceeding the national target of 98%, which was met in Otago last year.
At a primary level, achievement in reading, mathematics and writing in Otago has improved from 2011 to 2012, and rates were above the national average in each standard last year.
Reading standards were achieved by 83.6% of Otago primary pupils. The national achievement average was 77.4%.
In mathematics, Otago had a 77.8% pass rate, higher than the national average of 73.6%, and in writing, Otago had 75.6% achievement, while the national average was 70%.
The Government's target for all primary and secondary standards was 85%.
Last year, 89.6% of Otago secondary school leavers had NCEA level 1, 79.2% had level 2, and 51.9% had University Entrance. The national averages were 85.2%, 74.3% and 48.7% respectively.
In Otago, 82.7% of teenagers who turned 18 last year had NCEA level 2 or an equivalent qualification at the time of their birthday. The number was up from 2011 (80.8%) and above the national average of 77.2%.
Ms Parata said the information provided valuable insight into how the education system was performing in different regions.
''Education success requires everyone in a young person's life to be actively involved.
"That's why we have broken this information down, so parents, communities, schools, councils and local businesses can see how the education system is performing in their region and think about ways they can help lift achievement,'' she said.
Educational achievement in Otago
98.5% of children starting primary school attended early childhood education (NZ average 95.7%)
83.6% achieved primary reading standards (77.4)
77.8% achieved primary maths standards (73.6)
75.6% achieved primary writing standards (70)
89.6% school leavers had NCEA level 1 (85.2)
79.2% school leavers had NCEA level 2 (74.3)
51.9% school leavers had University Entrance (48.7)
82.7% turned 18 with NCEA level 2 or equivalent (77.2)
