Educational stage


Educational stages are subdivisions of formal learning, typically covering early childhood education, primary education, secondary education and tertiary education. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization recognizes seven levels of education in its International Standard Classification of Education system through Level 6 ). UNESCO's International Bureau of Education maintains a database of country-specific education systems and their stages.

Organization

during childhood and early adulthood is typically provided through either a two- or three-stage system of childhood school, followed by additional stages of higher education or vocational education for those who continue their formal education:
The following table introduces the main concepts, although terms and ages may vary in different places:
AgeEducational stage2-stage system3-stage systemISCED
4Early childhood educationPreschoolPreschool0
5Early childhood educationPreschoolPreschool0
6Primary educationPrimary schoolElementary school1
7Primary educationPrimary schoolElementary school1
8Primary educationPrimary schoolElementary school1
9Primary educationPrimary schoolElementary school2
10Primary educationPrimary schoolElementary school2
11Primary educationPrimary schoolMiddle school2
12Primary educationPrimary schoolMiddle school2
13Secondary educationSecondary schoolMiddle school2
14Secondary educationSecondary schoolMiddle school2
15Secondary educationSecondary schoolMiddle school2
16Secondary educationSecondary schoolMiddle school2
17Secondary educationSecondary schoolHigh school3
18Secondary educationSecondary schoolHigh school3
19Secondary educationSecondary schoolHigh school3

For additional ISCED stages of education, see ISCED.

Alternative organizational structures

Sudbury schools

s do not use formal grade levels or educational stages. Instead, students ages 4 through 18 are intermingled in a democratic educational system, relying on a series of certifications to use equipment that may require specialized knowledge or safety procedures. These certifications are not typically restricted by age, but rather by demonstrated ability.

By country

Australia

In Australia, children undergo thirteen years of formal education, usually starting at age 4, 5 or 6, and finishing at age 17, 18 or 19. The years are numbered from "Kindergarten" to 12.
In New South Wales, Western Australia, Queensland and Victoria, primary school is Kindergarten /Prep /Pre-primary and Years 1–6, and secondary school, Years 7–12.
YearAgesSchool
Kindergarten3–5Preschool
Prep/Kindergarten/Pre-primary/Foundation5–6 Primary
Grade or Year 16–7 Primary
Grade or Year 27–8 Primary
Grade or Year 38–9 Primary
Grade or Year 49–10 Primary
Grade or Year 510–11 Primary
Grade or Year 611–12 Primary
Grade or Year 712–13 Secondary
Grade or Year 813–14 Secondary
Grade or Year 914–15 Secondary
Grade or Year 1015–16 Secondary
Grade or Year 1116–17 Secondary
Grade or Year 1217–18 Secondary

In the Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania, primary school is Kindergarten /Prep and years 1–6, secondary school is years 7–10 and college or Senior Secondary is years 11 and 12.
YearAgesSchool
Pre Kindergarten3–5Preschool
Kindergarten/Prep5–6Primary
Grade or Year 16–7Primary
Grade or Year 27–8Primary
Grade or Year 38–9Primary
Grade or Year 49–10Primary
Grade or Year 510–11Primary
Grade or Year 611–12Primary
Grade or Year 712–13Secondary
Grade or Year 813–14Secondary
Grade or Year 914–15Secondary
Grade or Year 1015–16Secondary
Grade or Year 1116–17College/senior secondary
Grade or Year 1217–18College/senior secondary

In South Australia, primary school is Reception and Years 1–7, and secondary school is Years 8–12.
YearAgesSchool
Kindergarten3–5Preschool
Reception5–6Primary
Grade or Year 16–7Primary
Grade or Year 27–8Primary
Grade or Year 38–9Primary
Grade or Year 49–10Primary
Grade or Year 510–11Primary
Grade or Year 611–12Primary
Grade or Year 712–13Primary
Grade or Year 813–14Secondary
Grade or Year 914–15Secondary
Grade or Year 1015–16Secondary
Grade or Year 1116–17Secondary
Grade or Year 1217–18Secondary

Belarus

In Belarus, education is guaranteed for everyone. Primary school lasts for 4 years, but some psycho-physically challenged children study for 5 years according to a special standard. Forms 1 to 9 are considered compulsory. After completing general basic school a person can study in a special establishment to get a job. To enter a higher educational establishment a person must complete general secondary school and pass three centralized tests.
YearAgesSchool
Ясли
1–2Early
Детский сад
3–5Early
Form 16–7Primary
Form 27–8Primary
Form 38–9Primary
Form 49–10Primary
Form 510–11General basic
Form 611–12General basic
Form 712–13General basic
Form 813–14General basic
Form 914–15General basic
Form 1015–16General secondary
Form 1116–17General secondary

Brazil

In Brazil, there are three levels of basic education: "Educação Infantil", "Ensino Fundamental" and "Ensino Médio", which are generally completed by age eighteen. Basic education is designed to provide the necessary minimum knowledge for the exercise of citizenship. It also serves to develop consciousness for choosing future professions. In Brazil, after the name of the grade one may use the names "série" or "ano." The educational stages in Brazil are divided as follows:
Educação Infantil AgesCorrespondent in the U.S
Creche0–3Day Care
Pré-Escola4–6Preschool

Ensino Fundamental AgesCorrespondent in the U.S
1o ano 6–7first grade
2o ano 7–8second grade
3o ano 8–9third grade
4o ano 9–10fourth grade
5o ano 10–11fifth grade
6o ano 11–12sixth grade
7o ano 12–13seventh grade
8o ano 13–14eighth grade
9o ano 14–15ninth grade

Ensino Médio AgesCorrespondent in the U.S
1o ano 15–16tenth grade
2o ano 16–17eleventh grade
3o ano 17–18twelfth grade

Canada

In Canada, schooling officially begins at Kindergarten, followed by grades, with some variations for certain levels in certain provinces/territories. When referred to as a grade, school years are usually referred to by their cardinal number.
At the post-secondary level in Canada, a student is usually referred to by the year of study they are in. If they are pursuing something higher than an undergraduate degree, the designation usually refers to what year of study they are in since entering Graduate studies. Any student who has completed their first year of undergraduate studies is considered to be an Upper Year Student.
Each province and territory has its own autonomous education system. As such, the name of each level of education and what year each level begins at will vary across the country.

Grade structure by province/territory

The following table shows how grades are organized in various provinces. Often, there will be exceptions within each province, both with terminology for groups, and which grades apply to each group.

China

In the People's Republic of China, the years are organized in three stages and renumbered within each stage: 6 years in elementary school years 1 to 6, then 3 years in lower secondary years 7 to 9, then 3 years in higher secondary years 1 to 3. The first nine years are compulsory, and the years in higher secondary school are voluntary. Completing higher secondary education or attaining an equivalent level is required before one may receive higher education at universities.
YearAgesStage
Year 16–7Elementary
Year 27–8Elementary
Year 38–9Elementary
Year 49–10Elementary
Year 510–11Elementary
Year 611–12Elementary
Year 712–13Lower secondary
Year 813–14Lower secondary
Year 914–15Lower secondary
Year 1015–16Higher secondary
Year 1116–17Higher secondary
Year 1217–18Higher secondary

Hong Kong

The Hong Kong system was based on the United Kingdom system, with an optional year at kindergarten, six years of primary school and six years of secondary school, followed by four years at university. Primary 1 – 6 corresponds to Years 1 – 6 in the UK, and Forms 1 – 6 correspond to Years 7 – 12. Usually students begin Primary 1 at age 5 or 6 and complete Form 6 at age 17 or 18.
In Hong Kong, international schools follow the system of the country they are based upon, for example the English Schools Foundation uses the UK year system, and the French International School of Hong Kong uses the French école, collège, lycée system. Also, the English term form followed by the English number is common usage even in otherwise Cantonese conversations.
YearAgesStage
Primary 16–7Primary
Primary 27–8Primary
Primary 38–9Primary
Primary 49–10Primary
Primary 510–11Primary
Primary 611–12Primary
Form 112–13Secondary
Form 213–14Secondary
Form 314–15Secondary
Form 415–16Secondary
Form 516–17Secondary
Form 617–18Secondary

France

Education is compulsory from age 6 to age 14 or 16.
At the end of the lycée cursus, is the French Baccalaureat exam.
It is possible in France to fail a year, and need to resit.
AgeSchoolClasseCycle
2–3École maternelleTPS: Toute petite sectionCycle I : Apprentissages premiers
3–4École maternellePS: Petite sectionCycle I : Apprentissages premiers
4–5École maternelleMS: Moyenne sectionCycle I : Apprentissages premiers
5–6École maternelleGS: Grande sectionCycle II : Apprentissages fondamentaux
6–7École élémentaireCP: Cours préparatoireCycle II : Apprentissages fondamentaux
7–8École élémentaireCE1: Cours élémentaire, 1ère annéeCycle II : Apprentissages fondamentaux
8–9École élémentaireCE2: Cours élémentaire, 2éme annéeCycle III : Approfondissements
9–10École élémentaireCM1: Cours moyen, 1ère annéeCycle III : Approfondissements
10–11École élémentaireCM2: Cours moyen, 2ème annéeCycle III : Approfondissements
11–12CollègeSixième-
12–13CollègeCinquième-
13–14CollègeQuatrième-
14–15CollègeTroisième-
15–16LycéeSeconde-
16–17LycéePremière-
17–18LycéeTerminale-

Greece

Education is compulsory from age 4 to age 15. Education is provided in public and
private schools, except Higher Education which is provided only by public universities.

Iceland

India

The central and most state boards uniformly follow the "10+2+3" pattern of education. In this pattern, study of 10 years is done in schools and 2 years in Junior colleges,and then 3 years of graduation for a bachelor's degree. The first 10 years is further subdivided into 4 years of primary education, 6 years of High School followed by 2 years of Junior colleges. This pattern originated from the recommendation of the Education Commission of 1964–66.

Pre-Primary education

The Indian government lays emphasis on primary education, also referred to as elementary education, to children aged 6 to 14 years old. Because education laws are given by the states, duration of primary school visit alters between the Indian states. The Indian government has also banned child labour in order to ensure that the children do not enter unsafe working conditions. However, both free education and the ban on child labour are difficult to enforce due to economic disparity and social conditions.80% of all recognised schools at the elementary stage are government run or supported, making it the largest provider of education in the country.

Secondary education

Secondary education covers children aged 12 to 18, a group comprising 8.85 crore children according to the 2001 Census of India. The final two years of secondary is often called Higher Secondary , Senior Secondary, or simply the "+2" stage. The two halves of secondary education are each an important stage for which a pass certificate is needed, and thus are affiliated by central boards of education under HRD ministry, before one can pursue higher education, including college or professional courses.
UGC, NCERT, CBSE and ICSE directives state qualifying ages for candidates who wish to take board exams. Those at least 15 years old by 30 May for a given academic year are eligible to appear for Secondary board exams, and those 17 by the same date are eligible to appear for Higher Secondary certificate board exams. It further states that upon successful completion of Higher Secondary, one can apply to higher education under UGC control such as Engineering, Medical, and Business Administration.

Indonesia

In Indonesia, children spend 12 years of formal education, but some children attend nursery playgroup and attend kindergarten.
AgeStageSchoolYear
2–3Pre-schoolKelompok Belajar
KB-A/KBJ
3–4Pre-schoolKelompok Belajar
KB-B/KBS
4–5Pre-schoolTaman Kanak-kanak
TK-A
5–6Pre-schoolTaman Kanak-kanak
TK-B
6–7Primary SchoolSekolah Dasar
Kelas 1
7–8Primary SchoolSekolah Dasar
Kelas 2
8–9Primary SchoolSekolah Dasar
Kelas 3
9–10Primary SchoolSekolah Dasar
Kelas 4
10–11Primary SchoolSekolah Dasar
Kelas 5
11–12Primary SchoolSekolah Dasar
Kelas 6
12–13Secondary SchoolSekolah Menengah Pertama
Kelas 7
13–14Secondary SchoolSekolah Menengah Pertama
Kelas 8
14–15Secondary SchoolSekolah Menengah Pertama
Kelas 9
15–16Secondary SchoolSekolah Menengah Atas
Kelas 10
16–17Secondary SchoolSekolah Menengah Atas
Kelas 11
17–18Secondary SchoolSekolah Menengah Atas
Kelas 12

Iran

The Iranian system has experienced several changes in the last seven to eight decades. Prior to 1940–1950, the education system had consisted of three levels, called in order: an optional year in kindergarten, six years of primary school, finally followed by six years of secondary school ending up with a diploma. After some improvements during Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, the system was changed to four consecutive periods: two optional years in kindergarten and pre-primary school, primary school consisting of 5 years, 3 years in middle school, and finally four years in high school. The system ended up by honoring a diploma in certain majors, e.g. math and physics.
Around 1996–1997, one year was reduced from the entire education system and one was honored with a diploma after three years in high school. However, if one would have liked to continue her/his education towards university degrees, one would have been required to take the last year, so called pre-university year. This year had been a requirement to participate in the Iranian University Entrance Exam for high school students. Again, around 2012, the system turned back to its previous system, consisting of two 6-year periods.
There are 2 formal stages of education in Iran: primary school and high school. The high school itself is broken into 2 parts: A and B. Preschool educations are informal, therefore Grade 1 is the first year. In Grade 1 also known as the 1st class, children learn the basics of reading and writing.
StageSchoolAge
PreschoolKindergarten3–6
Primary schoolGrade 17
Primary schoolGrade 27–8
Primary schoolGrade 38–9
Primary schoolGrade 49–10
Primary schoolGrade 510–11
Primary schoolGrade 611–12
High school first termGrade 712–13
High school first termGrade 813–14
High school first termGrade 914–15
High school second termGrade 1015–16
High school second termGrade 1116–17
High school second termGrade 1217–18

Ireland

In the Republic of Ireland, there are two levels of compulsory education; primary school and secondary school. The names of each class are as follows:
After Sixth Class, students move to secondary school, entering;
Junior Cycle:
Senior Cycle:
In some schools, Transition Year is compulsory, in others it is optional.

Italy

In Italy, education is compulsory from the age of 6 to the age of 16. On parents' demand, children can start the Scuola primaria one year earlier.
Educazione Infantile:
Scuola primaria :
  • I elementare: 6–7
  • II elementare: 7–8
  • III elementare: 8–9
  • IV elementare: 9–10
  • V elementare: 10–11
Scuola secondaria di primo grado :
  • I media – 11–12
  • II media – 12–13
  • III media – 13–14
Scuola secondaria di secondo grado :
In Japan, the years are organized in three stages and renumbered within each stage: 6 years in elementary school years 1 to 6, then 3 years in lower secondary years 1 to 3, then 3 years in higher secondary years 1 to 3. The first nine years are compulsory, and the years in higher secondary school are voluntary. Completing higher secondary education or attaining an equivalent level is required before one may receive higher education at universities.
YearAgesStage
Year 16–7Elementary
Year 27–8Elementary
Year 38–9Elementary
Year 49–10Elementary
Year 510–11Elementary
Year 611–12Elementary
Year 112–13Lower secondary
Year 213–14Lower secondary
Year 314–15Lower secondary
Year 115–16Higher secondary
Year 216–17Higher secondary
Year 317–18Higher secondary

Malaysia

Compulsory education in Malaysia spans a period of 11 years and comprises both primary and secondary education. Kindergarten is optional.
Malaysian primary school consists of six years of education, referred to as Year 1 to Year 6. Year 1 – 3 are classified as Level One while Year 4 – 6 make up Level Two. Primary schooling usually begins at the age of 7 and ends at 12. Students take their first national examination, the UPSR, towards the end of the Year 6 school year. Performance in the UPSR has no effect on their resuming schooling; all students continue with their secondary education after leaving primary school.
Secondary schooling usually begins at age 13. Secondary schools offer education for a total of five years, starting with Form 1 and finishing at Form 5. Forms 1 – 3 are grouped together into the "Lower Form" and Forms 4 & 5 are considered the "Upper Form". Students in Form 3 will have to sit for their second national exam, the PT3. They are then streamed into sciences or humanities classes for the Upper Form according to their performance in this exam. At age 17 students in Form 5 sit for the final level of national examinations, the SPM. Achieving a passing grade in the Bahasa Melayu portion of the exams is compulsory; failure results in an automatic failing grade for all subjects taken in the examination and the student is held back to repeat Form 5. Completion of the examination signifies that the student has completed formal education in Malaysia; an SPM certificate remains the base requirement to secure most jobs in Malaysia.
After the SPM, students have a choice of either continuing with Form 6 or entering matriculation. If they opt for Form 6, they will be required to take the STPM examination. Although generally taken by those desiring to attend public universities in Malaysia, an STPM certification is internationally recognized and may also be used, though rarely required, to enter private local universities for undergraduate courses.
YearAgesSchool
Kindergarten '4–6Preschool
Tahun 1 7Tahap Satu
Tahun 2 8Tahap Satu
Tahun 3 9Tahap Satu
Tahun 4 10Tahap Dua
Tahun 5 11Tahap Dua
Tahun 6 12Tahap Dua
Tingkatan 1 13Menengah Rendah
Tingkatan 2 14Menengah Rendah
Tingkatan 3 15Menengah Rendah
Tingkatan 4 16Menengah Atas
Tingkatan 5 17Menengah Atas
Tingkatan 6 '18–19Pre-university programme

Mexico

In Mexico, grades 1 through 12 can be divided into two stages: Educación Básica, and Educación Media Superior. Educación Básica covers pre-primary education to the equivalent of eighth grade. Educación Media Superior covers ninth through twelfth grade, and students' levels are identified by their current semester, not by their grade.
YearAgesSchool
Educación Básica3 – 5/6Preescolar / Kinder
Educación BásicaPrimer grado 6/7Primaria
Educación BásicaSegundo grado 7/8Primaria
Educación BásicaTercer grado 8/9Primaria
Educación BásicaCuarto grado 9/10Primaria
Educación BásicaQuinto grado 10/11Primaria
Educación BásicaSexto grado 11/12Primaria
Educación BásicaPrimero de secundaria12/13Secundaria
Educación BásicaSegundo de secundaria13/14Secundaria
Educación BásicaTercero de secundaria14/15Secundaria
Educación Media SuperiorPrimer semestre, and Segundo semestre15/16Bachillerato / Preparatoria
Educación Media SuperiorTercer semestre, and Cuarto semestre16/17Bachillerato / Preparatoria
Educación Media SuperiorQuinto semestre, and Sexto semestre17/18Bachillerato / Preparatoria

Nepal

In Nepal, the stages of education are primary education, secondary education, and higher secondary. Pre-primary education is also found in some areas. Generally, the pre-primary level covers nursery and kindergarten. Primary education consists of grades one through five, while lower secondary education covers grades six through eight and secondary education covers grades nine through ten. Higher secondary covers grades eleven and twelve. Students get Secondary Education Examination certificate in grade ten. According to the new Education Act, the national grade 12 Examination will result in the School Leaving Certificate.
YearAgesSchool
Nursery3–4Preschool
Kindergarten4–6Preschool
Year 15–6Primary
Year 26–7Primary
Year 37–8Primary
Year 48–9Primary
Year 59–10Primary
Year 610–11Lower secondary
Year 711–12Lower secondary
Year 812–13Lower secondary
Year 913–14Junior higher secondary
Year 1014–16Junior higher secondary
Year 1115–17Senior higher secondary
Year 1216–18Senior higher secondary

New Zealand

In New Zealand children are required by law to attend 10 years of educational instruction, from the age of 6 to 16. The law also provides in the same legislation that all people are allowed to attend free education to the age of 18, this legislation is the Education Act 1989. Children can enroll at primary school when they turn five years old, and must be enrolled by the time they turn six years old. From years 1–6 students attend primary school. In years 7 and 8 students attend intermediate, or a joint school. The final years of free education are spent in secondary school. New Zealand also has two older educational stage-numbering systems; standards 5 & 6 were largely unused with the introduction of intermediate schools in the 1950s, while "primmer" numbering was in use well into the 1970s, and some academically focused secondary schools still use "form" numbering.

Norway

In Norway children start school at the age of six; before that kindergarten is voluntary. This school is called barneskole :
The second school is ungdomsskole. At this level the students are rated with grades in each subject, in addition to behavior and orderliness:
The last school before higher education is called videregående skole and is voluntary, though most choose to attend. At this level students decide among separate career-related schools. The most popular such school is designed to prepare one for further education, while others prepare students for such as mechanics, electricians, cooks and so on. Educational stages in these schools begin again at "one" and are named Vg1, Vg2, Vg3 and Vg4. Some of the more practical schools last only two years, and some students may choose to attend an extra year to study higher education. The typical duration is three years, though some schools offer a four-year program to enable students to engage in more athletics or gather real work experience.
Previously in the Philippines, there are only ten years of compulsory education. School starts on the first or second week of June, while school ends in the last week of March or first week of April. There are three stages of education in the Philippines — elementary, junior high school, and senior high school. The original ten years of compulsory education, was raised to twelve years of education. This policy was implemented in June, 2012. Here is the table:
GradeAgeSchoolStage
Kindergarten4–6PreschoolElementary school
Grade 16–7Primary schoolElementary school
Grade 27–8Primary schoolElementary school
Grade 38–9Primary schoolElementary school
Grade 49–10Primary schoolElementary school
Grade 510–11Primary schoolElementary school
Grade 611–12Primary schoolElementary school
Grade 712–13Secondary schoolJunior high school
Grade 813–14Secondary schoolJunior high school
Grade 914–15Secondary schoolJunior high school
Grade 1015–16Secondary schoolJunior high school
Grade 1116–17Secondary schoolSenior high school
Grade 1217–18Secondary schoolSenior high school

Poland

From 1998 to 2019, the Polish education system was divided into six years of primary education, followed by three years of secondary education and three or four years of optional high school education. Attending general education high school or vocational school allows graduates to attend university while attending a basic vocational school requires its graduates to attend supplementary liceums. Since 2019, the three stages were merged into two. Kindergarten education is optional, while compulsory education starts with year 0. The school year lasts from early September to late June, with the exception of the final year of high school, which ends in late April. From 1998 to 2019, the educational stages were:
GradeAgeSchool
Kindergarten3–5Preschool
Grade 0 5–6Preschool
Grade 16–7Primary school
Grade 27–8Primary school
Grade 38–9Primary school
Grade 49–10Primary school
Grade 510–11Primary school
Grade 611–12Primary school
Grade 712–13Primary school
Grade 813–14Primary school
Grade 914–15High school
Grade 1015–16High school
Grade 1116–17High school
Grade 1217–18High school
Grade 13 18–19High school

Russia

In Russia, compulsory education lasts eight or nine years and begins the year the child turns seven or, sometimes, six. The first stage of elementary school can last either 3 years or 4 years. After of the first stage all pupils enter 5th grade, thus pupils that started at the age of 7 do not attend the 4th grade.
YearAgesSchool
Yasli1–2Early
Kindergarten3–6 Early
First Grade7–8 Elementary
Second Grade8–9 Elementary
Third Grade9–10 Elementary
Fourth grade9–10
Fifth Grade10–11Middle
Sixth Grade11–12Middle
Seventh Grade12–13Middle
Eighth Grade13–14Middle
Ninth Grade14–15Middle
Tenth Grade15–16High
Eleventh Grade16–17High

While it is not compulsory to remain in school after graduating from middle school, a student cannot progress to tertiary school without graduating from high school or vocational school.

Serbia

In Serbia, children undergo thirteen years of formal education, usually starting at age 4, 5 or 6, and finishing at age 18 or 19. By the law children need to enter Primary school at the year they will turn 7 years of age, with some wiggle room if the child is born too close to a new year. The first four years of primary school, children have their own classroom and one teacher that teaches them all the subjects, from 4 grade of primary school to the end of high school lessons are held by number of teachers specialised for specific subjects and children change their classrooms every class. Children start their school year on September 1, and end the year at the end of June/beginning of July. The exception is the 8 grade of primary school and the 4 grade of high school when the classes end a couple of months earlier so the children can study for their entry exams for high school/college. Depending on which high school a child chooses, they can get more focused education and a professional degree. High school is not compulsory education but is needed to get some professional degrees in order to be able to find a job
YearAgesSchool
Nursery1–3Preschool
Kindergarten3–5Preschool
Prep/Kindergarten/Pre-primary5–6Preschool
Grade or Year 16–7Primary school
Grade or Year 27–8Primary school
Grade or Year 38–9Primary school
Grade or Year 49–10Primary school
Grade or Year 510–11Primary school
Grade or Year 611–12Primary school
Grade or Year 712–13Primary school
Grade or Year 813–14Primary school
Grade or Year 114–15Secondary - High school
Grade or Year 215–16Secondary - High school
Grade or Year 316–17Secondary - High school
Grade or Year 417–18Secondary - High school

Singapore

In Singapore, compulsory education lasts ten years and begins the year the child turns seven. However, most children receive a preschool education spanning two to three years before entering primary school after which they will move on to a secondary school, where Sec 5 is only made compulsory for students who have achieved a determined score for their PSLE. For Secondary School, there are two or three streamings: Express, Normal Academic, and Normal Technical, among which Exp and NT students study for four years while NA students need to study for five years. Depending on which stream one is in, and whether the school's scoring requirement is met, a student may be retained/transferred to NA/NT.
YearAgesSchool
Nursery 3–4Nursery Kindergarten
Kindergarten 5–6Nursery Kindergarten
Primary One6–7Primary
Primary Two7–8Primary
Primary Three8–9Primary
Primary Four9–10Primary
Primary Five10–11Primary
Primary Six11–12Primary
Secondary One 12–13Secondary
Secondary Two 13–14Secondary
Secondary Three 14–15Secondary
Secondary Four 15–16Secondary
Secondary Five 16–17Secondary
Secondary Six 17-18Secondary school or College

While it is not compulsory to remain in school after graduating from secondary school, most go on to receive their tertiary education at a junior college, a polytechnic, or an institute of technical education before moving on to university.

Sri Lanka

enforces compulsory education and it is mandatory for a child to at least complete one year of pre-school by the time the child reaches the completion of age 4. By the time they have reached the age of 5 years, enrollment to Grade 1 is made a legal obligation.
Primary school to higher education are primarily funded and overseen by two governmental ministries and the main Department.
YearAgesSchool
Kindergarten3–5Pre-School
Grade One5–6Primary
Grade Two6–7Primary
Grade Three7–8Primary
Grade Four8–9Primary
Grade Five – Optional Scholarship Examination9–10Primary
Grade Six10–11Secondary
Grade Seven11–12Secondary
Grade Eight12–13Secondary
Grade Nine13–14Secondary
Grade Ten14–15Secondary
Grade Eleven – G.C.E Ordinary Level Examination15–16Secondary
Grade Twelve16–17Collegiate
Grade Thirteen – G.C.E Advance Level Examination17–18Collegiate

Tertiary education

Undergraduate education in state universities is free but extremely competitive, limited, and standardized.
Selection of students is done on the basis of rank order on average Z Scores obtained by candidates at the Advanced Level under a transparent national policy to replicate a district basis representation. Only the top students from each district receive admission.

Sweden

In Sweden children start school at the age of six with preschool class; before that preschool is voluntary.
First set of grades are called "lågstadiet".
Second set of grades are called "mellanstadiet".
Third set of grades are called "högstadiet".
The last school before higher education is called "gymnasiet" and is voluntary, though most choose to attend. At this level students decide among separate career-related schools. Some of the more practical schools last only two years, and some students may choose to attend an extra year to study higher education. The typical duration is three years, though some schools offer a four-year program to enable students to engage in more athletics or gather real work experience.
YearAgesStage-
Kindergarten5-6Before School / Kindergarten-
Year 16–7Elementary-
Year 27–8Elementary-
Year 38–9Elementary-
Year 49–10Elementary-
Year 510–11ElementarySecondary
Year 611–12ElementarySecondary
Year 712–13-Secondary
Year 813–14--
Year 914–15High school-
Year 1015–16High school-
Year 1116–17High school-
Year 1217–18--

United Kingdom

England, Wales and Northern Ireland

In England, Wales and Northern Ireland education is divided into two stages: primary education and secondary education. Required assessment within the National Curriculum takes place in years 2 and 6 and Year 11. School education is generally followed by two years of further education – often in a 6th form or 6th form college and then three or four years at university by those who decide to stay in education.
In England, children begin school either in the school year or school term in which they reach their fifth birthday. In Wales, children begin school on a part-time basis the September after they reach their third birthday. Primary schools educate children from Reception through to Year 6, and may be subdivided into infant and junior schools. Alternatively, children may attend private prep schools.
Secondary education is compulsory to the age of 16. However, in England you will be required to return to full-time education, take on an apprenticeship or internship or work or volunteer at least 20 hours a week while part-time studying until the age of 18. Schools have various possible names, such as grammar, comprehensive and secondary schools, which may or may not indicate selective admission or tuition fees. 6th form|6th form education is not compulsory at present, and not all secondary schools have a 6th form. There are also 6th form colleges just for Year 12 and 13 students.
Some secondary schools still use the 'form' system, with Year 7 being 1st Form, Year 8 being Second Form, et cetera, up until Year 12 and Year 13, which together make up the 6th Form. Some independent schools use other naming systems.
In some areas in England, a three-tier system of education is used, in which students pass through three stages: First school/Lower school, Middle school and finally High or Upper School

Scotland

In Scotland, education is divided into two stages: primary education and secondary education. Primary education is delivered almost exclusively through primary schools which offer education for pupils aged between 4 and 12. Children are entitled to pre-school education from their third birthday, and must enter compulsory education from the August after their 5th birthday. There is some leeway in the starting date for pupils.
Education lasts 7 years in the primary school, before pupils move to a secondary school for between 4 and 6 years, the last two being optional.
There is some variation in the phasing of education in more remote areas of Scotland, where provision may be made in a through school, or in other combinations of institutes.
YearAgesSchool
Nursery3–4 or 3–5
Primary One4–5 or 5–6Primary
Primary Two5–6 or 6–7Primary
Primary Three6–7 or 7–8Primary
Primary Four7–8 or 8–9Primary
Primary Five8–9 or 9–10Primary
Primary Six9–10 or 10–11Primary
Primary Seven10–11 or 11–12Primary
First year 11–12 or 12–13Secondary
Second Year 12–13 or 13–14Secondary
Third Year 13–14 or 14–15Secondary
Fourth Year 14–15 or 15–16Secondary
Fifth Year 15–16 or 16–17Secondary
Sixth Year 16–17 or 17–18Secondary

United States

In the United States, the grades traditionally begin at 1 and run to 12; they are referred to by ordinal number. An additional preceding level called kindergarten is now standard in most areas, and a further preceding level called preschool education or nursery school is not uncommon. In some parts of the state of Wisconsin, kindergarten is split further into junior and senior kindergarten.
Before the term "middle school" became much more commonly applied, grades 7–8 were placed in "junior high school".
At the secondary school level, grades 9–12 are also known as freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior. At the post-secondary or "undergraduate" level, these terms are used almost exclusively to refer to what would otherwise be grades 13–16, ending denoted as "college senior". Then come post-graduate levels.
The Table US '' outlines the ages, in years, of each grade level in the US. However, students are sometimes older because of grade retention or younger because of grade skipping.
In some classes, students from various grades might attend together as a multi-grade class, to offer more variety in course subjects, rather than have only a single grade attend those classes.

Comparison of American and British English