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The annual report provides a snapshot of the performance of NLSD students. (Image Credit: File photo/larongeNOW Staff)
school division

Annual report shows NLSD students lagging behind provincial averages

May 28, 2026 | 1:52 PM

Data presented in the Northern Lights School Division’s (NLSD) annual report shows students continue to underperform when compared to the rest of the province.  

The report shows the three-year average graduation rate hasn’t improved in the last decade. In 2023, only 30 per cent of students graduated on time compared to 79 per cent across Saskatchewan. 

It notes 73 per cent of non-Indigenous students in the division do graduate on time compared to 28 per cent of the Indigenous students. Across Saskatchewan, 48 per cent of Indigenous students graduate on time compared to 89 per cent of the non-Indigenous population. 

NLSD Director of Education Jason Young explained even though the three-year rate hasn’t improved, there has been an increase in the five-year rate.  

“I’m very pleased when I look at the progress with grad rates moving from 44 per cent to 57 per cent,” he said.  

“I also see the graduation rates are just one measure of success for our students, and we want our students to finish their Grade 12, but we are really focused on meeting the students where they are and supporting them where we can.” 

Credit attainment also continues to be an issue across the division. Only 20 per cent of NLSD students obtain eight or more credits in an academic year between Grades 10 to 12 compared to 61 per cent for the rest of the province. 

Specifically, 56 per cent of non-Indigenous students are achieving that standard in the division compared to 18 per cent of the Indigenous students. 

Attendances rates also continue to lag behind. Twenty-two per cent of high school students in the NLSD have an attendance above 80 per cent compared to 69 per cent across the province.  

“Obviously, we’re not satisfied with what we are seeing and we want to see a higher student attendance,” Young remarked. 

“We’re going to expand … the Mental Health Capacity Building Program. These roles support teachers and staff with programming and implementing mental health practices into the curriculum.” 

At the end of the 2024-2025 academic year, the NLSD had 3,766 students enrolled and employed 685 staff, including 235 teachers.

Read the entire annual report online here.

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com