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:- Early childhood education at preschool, nursery school, or kindergarten
- Primary education at primary school or elementary school, and sometimes in the early years of middle school
- Secondary education at secondary school or high school, and sometimes in the latter years of middle school
- Higher education or vocational education
Age | Educational stage | 2-stage system | 3-stage system | ISCED |
4 | Early childhood education | Preschool | Preschool | 0 |
5 | Early childhood education | Preschool | Preschool | 0 |
6 | Primary education | Primary school | Elementary school | 1 |
7 | Primary education | Primary school | Elementary school | 1 |
8 | Primary education | Primary school | Elementary school | 1 |
9 | Primary education | Primary school | Elementary school | 2 |
10 | Primary education | Primary school | Elementary school | 2 |
11 | Primary education | Primary school | Middle school | 2 |
12 | Primary education | Primary school | Middle school | 2 |
13 | Secondary education | Secondary school | Middle school | 2 |
14 | Secondary education | Secondary school | Middle school | 2 |
15 | Secondary education | Secondary school | Middle school | 2 |
16 | Secondary education | Secondary school | Middle school | 2 |
17 | Secondary education | Secondary school | High school | 3 |
18 | Secondary education | Secondary school | High school | 3 |
19 | Secondary education | Secondary school | High school | 3 |
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.
Year | Ages | School |
Kindergarten | 3–5 | Preschool |
Prep/Kindergarten/Pre-primary/Foundation | 5–6 | Primary |
Grade or Year 1 | 6–7 | Primary |
Grade or Year 2 | 7–8 | Primary |
Grade or Year 3 | 8–9 | Primary |
Grade or Year 4 | 9–10 | Primary |
Grade or Year 5 | 10–11 | Primary |
Grade or Year 6 | 11–12 | Primary |
Grade or Year 7 | 12–13 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 8 | 13–14 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 9 | 14–15 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 10 | 15–16 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 11 | 16–17 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 12 | 17–18 | 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.
Year | Ages | School |
Pre Kindergarten | 3–5 | Preschool |
Kindergarten/Prep | 5–6 | Primary |
Grade or Year 1 | 6–7 | Primary |
Grade or Year 2 | 7–8 | Primary |
Grade or Year 3 | 8–9 | Primary |
Grade or Year 4 | 9–10 | Primary |
Grade or Year 5 | 10–11 | Primary |
Grade or Year 6 | 11–12 | Primary |
Grade or Year 7 | 12–13 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 8 | 13–14 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 9 | 14–15 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 10 | 15–16 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 11 | 16–17 | College/senior secondary |
Grade or Year 12 | 17–18 | College/senior secondary |
In South Australia, primary school is Reception and Years 1–7, and secondary school is Years 8–12.
Year | Ages | School |
Kindergarten | 3–5 | Preschool |
Reception | 5–6 | Primary |
Grade or Year 1 | 6–7 | Primary |
Grade or Year 2 | 7–8 | Primary |
Grade or Year 3 | 8–9 | Primary |
Grade or Year 4 | 9–10 | Primary |
Grade or Year 5 | 10–11 | Primary |
Grade or Year 6 | 11–12 | Primary |
Grade or Year 7 | 12–13 | Primary |
Grade or Year 8 | 13–14 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 9 | 14–15 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 10 | 15–16 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 11 | 16–17 | Secondary |
Grade or Year 12 | 17–18 | Secondary |
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.Year | Ages | School |
Ясли | 1–2 | Early |
Детский сад | 3–5 | Early |
Form 1 | 6–7 | Primary |
Form 2 | 7–8 | Primary |
Form 3 | 8–9 | Primary |
Form 4 | 9–10 | Primary |
Form 5 | 10–11 | General basic |
Form 6 | 11–12 | General basic |
Form 7 | 12–13 | General basic |
Form 8 | 13–14 | General basic |
Form 9 | 14–15 | General basic |
Form 10 | 15–16 | General secondary |
Form 11 | 16–17 | General 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 | Ages | Correspondent in the U.S |
Creche | 0–3 | Day Care |
Pré-Escola | 4–6 | Preschool |
Ensino Fundamental | Ages | Correspondent in the U.S |
1o ano | 6–7 | first grade |
2o ano | 7–8 | second grade |
3o ano | 8–9 | third grade |
4o ano | 9–10 | fourth grade |
5o ano | 10–11 | fifth grade |
6o ano | 11–12 | sixth grade |
7o ano | 12–13 | seventh grade |
8o ano | 13–14 | eighth grade |
9o ano | 14–15 | ninth grade |
Ensino Médio | Ages | Correspondent in the U.S |
1o ano | 15–16 | tenth grade |
2o ano | 16–17 | eleventh grade |
3o ano | 17–18 | twelfth 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.Year | Ages | Stage |
Year 1 | 6–7 | Elementary |
Year 2 | 7–8 | Elementary |
Year 3 | 8–9 | Elementary |
Year 4 | 9–10 | Elementary |
Year 5 | 10–11 | Elementary |
Year 6 | 11–12 | Elementary |
Year 7 | 12–13 | Lower secondary |
Year 8 | 13–14 | Lower secondary |
Year 9 | 14–15 | Lower secondary |
Year 10 | 15–16 | Higher secondary |
Year 11 | 16–17 | Higher secondary |
Year 12 | 17–18 | Higher 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.
Year | Ages | Stage |
Primary 1 | 6–7 | Primary |
Primary 2 | 7–8 | Primary |
Primary 3 | 8–9 | Primary |
Primary 4 | 9–10 | Primary |
Primary 5 | 10–11 | Primary |
Primary 6 | 11–12 | Primary |
Form 1 | 12–13 | Secondary |
Form 2 | 13–14 | Secondary |
Form 3 | 14–15 | Secondary |
Form 4 | 15–16 | Secondary |
Form 5 | 16–17 | Secondary |
Form 6 | 17–18 | Secondary |
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.
Age | School | Classe | Cycle |
2–3 | École maternelle | TPS: Toute petite section | Cycle I : Apprentissages premiers |
3–4 | École maternelle | PS: Petite section | Cycle I : Apprentissages premiers |
4–5 | École maternelle | MS: Moyenne section | Cycle I : Apprentissages premiers |
5–6 | École maternelle | GS: Grande section | Cycle II : Apprentissages fondamentaux |
6–7 | École élémentaire | CP: Cours préparatoire | Cycle II : Apprentissages fondamentaux |
7–8 | École élémentaire | CE1: Cours élémentaire, 1ère année | Cycle II : Apprentissages fondamentaux |
8–9 | École élémentaire | CE2: Cours élémentaire, 2éme année | Cycle III : Approfondissements |
9–10 | École élémentaire | CM1: Cours moyen, 1ère année | Cycle III : Approfondissements |
10–11 | École élémentaire | CM2: Cours moyen, 2ème année | Cycle III : Approfondissements |
11–12 | Collège | Sixième | - |
12–13 | Collège | Cinquième | - |
13–14 | Collège | Quatrième | - |
14–15 | Collège | Troisième | - |
15–16 | Lycée | Seconde | - |
16–17 | Lycée | Première | - |
17–18 | Lycée | Terminale | - |
Greece
Education is compulsory from age 4 to age 15. Education is provided in public andprivate 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
- Play group : At play schools, children are exposed to a lot of basic learning activities that help them to get independent faster and develop their self-help qualities like eating food themselves, dressing up, and maintaining cleanliness. The age limit for admission into pre-nursery is 2 to 3 years
- Nursery: Nursery level activities help children unfold their talents, thus enabling them to sharpen their mental and physical abilities. The age limit for admission in nursery is 3 to 4 years.
- LKG: It is also called the Junior Kindergarten stage. The age limit for admission in LKG is 4 to 5 years.
- UKG: It is also called the Senior Kindergarten stage. The age limit for admission in UKG is 5 to 6 years.
Primary education
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.Age | Stage | School | Year |
2–3 | Pre-school | Kelompok Belajar | KB-A/KBJ |
3–4 | Pre-school | Kelompok Belajar | KB-B/KBS |
4–5 | Pre-school | Taman Kanak-kanak | TK-A |
5–6 | Pre-school | Taman Kanak-kanak | TK-B |
6–7 | Primary School | Sekolah Dasar | Kelas 1 |
7–8 | Primary School | Sekolah Dasar | Kelas 2 |
8–9 | Primary School | Sekolah Dasar | Kelas 3 |
9–10 | Primary School | Sekolah Dasar | Kelas 4 |
10–11 | Primary School | Sekolah Dasar | Kelas 5 |
11–12 | Primary School | Sekolah Dasar | Kelas 6 |
12–13 | Secondary School | Sekolah Menengah Pertama | Kelas 7 |
13–14 | Secondary School | Sekolah Menengah Pertama | Kelas 8 |
14–15 | Secondary School | Sekolah Menengah Pertama | Kelas 9 |
15–16 | Secondary School | Sekolah Menengah Atas | Kelas 10 |
16–17 | Secondary School | Sekolah Menengah Atas | Kelas 11 |
17–18 | Secondary School | Sekolah 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.
Stage | School | Age |
Preschool | Kindergarten | 3–6 |
Primary school | Grade 1 | 7 |
Primary school | Grade 2 | 7–8 |
Primary school | Grade 3 | 8–9 |
Primary school | Grade 4 | 9–10 |
Primary school | Grade 5 | 10–11 |
Primary school | Grade 6 | 11–12 |
High school first term | Grade 7 | 12–13 |
High school first term | Grade 8 | 13–14 |
High school first term | Grade 9 | 14–15 |
High school second term | Grade 10 | 15–16 |
High school second term | Grade 11 | 16–17 |
High school second term | Grade 12 | 17–18 |
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:- Junior Infants
- Senior Infants
- First Class
- Second Class
- Third Class
- Fourth Class
- Fifth Class
- Sixth Class
Junior Cycle:
- First Year
- Second Year
- Third Year – Junior Certificate
- Fourth Year
- Fifth Year
- Sixth Year – Leaving Certificate
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:
- Asilo nido: 3 months – 3 years
- Scuola d'infanzia: 3 years – 5 years
- I elementare: 6–7
- II elementare: 7–8
- III elementare: 8–9
- IV elementare: 9–10
- V elementare: 10–11
- I media – 11–12
- II media – 12–13
- III media – 13–14
- biennio
- *I superiore – 14–15
- *II superiore – 15–16
- triennio
- *III superiore – 16–17
- *IV superiore – 17–18
- *V superiore – 18–19
Japan
Year | Ages | Stage |
Year 1 | 6–7 | Elementary |
Year 2 | 7–8 | Elementary |
Year 3 | 8–9 | Elementary |
Year 4 | 9–10 | Elementary |
Year 5 | 10–11 | Elementary |
Year 6 | 11–12 | Elementary |
Year 1 | 12–13 | Lower secondary |
Year 2 | 13–14 | Lower secondary |
Year 3 | 14–15 | Lower secondary |
Year 1 | 15–16 | Higher secondary |
Year 2 | 16–17 | Higher secondary |
Year 3 | 17–18 | Higher 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.
Year | Ages | School |
Kindergarten ' | 4–6 | Preschool |
Tahun 1 | 7 | Tahap Satu |
Tahun 2 | 8 | Tahap Satu |
Tahun 3 | 9 | Tahap Satu |
Tahun 4 | 10 | Tahap Dua |
Tahun 5 | 11 | Tahap Dua |
Tahun 6 | 12 | Tahap Dua |
Tingkatan 1 | 13 | Menengah Rendah |
Tingkatan 2 | 14 | Menengah Rendah |
Tingkatan 3 | 15 | Menengah Rendah |
Tingkatan 4 | 16 | Menengah Atas |
Tingkatan 5 | 17 | Menengah Atas |
Tingkatan 6 ' | 18–19 | Pre-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.Year | Ages | School | |
Educación Básica | 3 – 5/6 | Preescolar / Kinder | |
Educación Básica | Primer grado | 6/7 | Primaria |
Educación Básica | Segundo grado | 7/8 | Primaria |
Educación Básica | Tercer grado | 8/9 | Primaria |
Educación Básica | Cuarto grado | 9/10 | Primaria |
Educación Básica | Quinto grado | 10/11 | Primaria |
Educación Básica | Sexto grado | 11/12 | Primaria |
Educación Básica | Primero de secundaria | 12/13 | Secundaria |
Educación Básica | Segundo de secundaria | 13/14 | Secundaria |
Educación Básica | Tercero de secundaria | 14/15 | Secundaria |
Educación Media Superior | Primer semestre, and Segundo semestre | 15/16 | Bachillerato / Preparatoria |
Educación Media Superior | Tercer semestre, and Cuarto semestre | 16/17 | Bachillerato / Preparatoria |
Educación Media Superior | Quinto semestre, and Sexto semestre | 17/18 | Bachillerato / 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.Year | Ages | School |
Nursery | 3–4 | Preschool |
Kindergarten | 4–6 | Preschool |
Year 1 | 5–6 | Primary |
Year 2 | 6–7 | Primary |
Year 3 | 7–8 | Primary |
Year 4 | 8–9 | Primary |
Year 5 | 9–10 | Primary |
Year 6 | 10–11 | Lower secondary |
Year 7 | 11–12 | Lower secondary |
Year 8 | 12–13 | Lower secondary |
Year 9 | 13–14 | Junior higher secondary |
Year 10 | 14–16 | Junior higher secondary |
Year 11 | 15–17 | Senior higher secondary |
Year 12 | 16–18 | Senior 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 :- 6–7: First grade
- 7–8: Second grade
- 8–9: Third grade
- 9–10: Fourth grade
- 10–11: Fifth grade
- 11–12: Sixth grade
- 12–13: Seventh grade
- 13–14: Eighth grade
- 14–15: Ninth grade
- 15–16: Tenth grade
- 16–17: Vg1
- 17–18: Vg2
- 18–19: Vg3
- 19–20: Vg4
Philippines
Grade | Age | School | Stage |
Kindergarten | 4–6 | Preschool | Elementary school |
Grade 1 | 6–7 | Primary school | Elementary school |
Grade 2 | 7–8 | Primary school | Elementary school |
Grade 3 | 8–9 | Primary school | Elementary school |
Grade 4 | 9–10 | Primary school | Elementary school |
Grade 5 | 10–11 | Primary school | Elementary school |
Grade 6 | 11–12 | Primary school | Elementary school |
Grade 7 | 12–13 | Secondary school | Junior high school |
Grade 8 | 13–14 | Secondary school | Junior high school |
Grade 9 | 14–15 | Secondary school | Junior high school |
Grade 10 | 15–16 | Secondary school | Junior high school |
Grade 11 | 16–17 | Secondary school | Senior high school |
Grade 12 | 17–18 | Secondary school | Senior 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:- Kindergarten from ages 3–5;
- Grade 0 from age 5–6;
- Grades 1 to 6 from ages 6–7 to 11–12;
- Grades 1 to 3 of secondary education from ages 12–13 to 14–15;
- Grades 1 to 3 or 1 to 4 of optional high school education, ages 15–16 to 17–18 or 18–19.
Grade | Age | School |
Kindergarten | 3–5 | Preschool |
Grade 0 | 5–6 | Preschool |
Grade 1 | 6–7 | Primary school |
Grade 2 | 7–8 | Primary school |
Grade 3 | 8–9 | Primary school |
Grade 4 | 9–10 | Primary school |
Grade 5 | 10–11 | Primary school |
Grade 6 | 11–12 | Primary school |
Grade 7 | 12–13 | Primary school |
Grade 8 | 13–14 | Primary school |
Grade 9 | 14–15 | High school |
Grade 10 | 15–16 | High school |
Grade 11 | 16–17 | High school |
Grade 12 | 17–18 | High school |
Grade 13 | 18–19 | High 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.Year | Ages | School |
Yasli | 1–2 | Early |
Kindergarten | 3–6 | Early |
First Grade | 7–8 | Elementary |
Second Grade | 8–9 | Elementary |
Third Grade | 9–10 | Elementary |
Fourth grade | 9–10 | |
Fifth Grade | 10–11 | Middle |
Sixth Grade | 11–12 | Middle |
Seventh Grade | 12–13 | Middle |
Eighth Grade | 13–14 | Middle |
Ninth Grade | 14–15 | Middle |
Tenth Grade | 15–16 | High |
Eleventh Grade | 16–17 | High |
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 jobYear | Ages | School |
Nursery | 1–3 | Preschool |
Kindergarten | 3–5 | Preschool |
Prep/Kindergarten/Pre-primary | 5–6 | Preschool |
Grade or Year 1 | 6–7 | Primary school |
Grade or Year 2 | 7–8 | Primary school |
Grade or Year 3 | 8–9 | Primary school |
Grade or Year 4 | 9–10 | Primary school |
Grade or Year 5 | 10–11 | Primary school |
Grade or Year 6 | 11–12 | Primary school |
Grade or Year 7 | 12–13 | Primary school |
Grade or Year 8 | 13–14 | Primary school |
Grade or Year 1 | 14–15 | Secondary - High school |
Grade or Year 2 | 15–16 | Secondary - High school |
Grade or Year 3 | 16–17 | Secondary - High school |
Grade or Year 4 | 17–18 | Secondary - 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.Year | Ages | School |
Nursery | 3–4 | Nursery Kindergarten |
Kindergarten | 5–6 | Nursery Kindergarten |
Primary One | 6–7 | Primary |
Primary Two | 7–8 | Primary |
Primary Three | 8–9 | Primary |
Primary Four | 9–10 | Primary |
Primary Five | 10–11 | Primary |
Primary Six | 11–12 | Primary |
Secondary One | 12–13 | Secondary |
Secondary Two | 13–14 | Secondary |
Secondary Three | 14–15 | Secondary |
Secondary Four | 15–16 | Secondary |
Secondary Five | 16–17 | Secondary |
Secondary Six | 17-18 | Secondary 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.
Year | Ages | School |
Kindergarten | 3–5 | Pre-School |
Grade One | 5–6 | Primary |
Grade Two | 6–7 | Primary |
Grade Three | 7–8 | Primary |
Grade Four | 8–9 | Primary |
Grade Five – Optional Scholarship Examination | 9–10 | Primary |
Grade Six | 10–11 | Secondary |
Grade Seven | 11–12 | Secondary |
Grade Eight | 12–13 | Secondary |
Grade Nine | 13–14 | Secondary |
Grade Ten | 14–15 | Secondary |
Grade Eleven – G.C.E Ordinary Level Examination | 15–16 | Secondary |
Grade Twelve | 16–17 | Collegiate |
Grade Thirteen – G.C.E Advance Level Examination | 17–18 | Collegiate |
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.- 6–7: Preschool class
- 7–8: "ettan"
- 8–9: "tvåan"
- 9–10: "trean"
- 10–11: "fyran"
- 11–12: "femman"
- 12–13: "sexan"
- 13–14: "sjuan"
- 14–15: "åttan"
- 15–16: "nian"
- 16–17: "första ring"
- 17–18: "andra ring"
- 18–19: "tredje ring"
- 19–20: "fjärde ring"
Turkey
Year | Ages | Stage | - |
Kindergarten | 5-6 | Before School / Kindergarten | - |
Year 1 | 6–7 | Elementary | - |
Year 2 | 7–8 | Elementary | - |
Year 3 | 8–9 | Elementary | - |
Year 4 | 9–10 | Elementary | - |
Year 5 | 10–11 | Elementary | Secondary |
Year 6 | 11–12 | Elementary | Secondary |
Year 7 | 12–13 | - | Secondary |
Year 8 | 13–14 | - | - |
Year 9 | 14–15 | High school | - |
Year 10 | 15–16 | High school | - |
Year 11 | 16–17 | High school | - |
Year 12 | 17–18 | - | - |
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.
Year | Ages | School |
Nursery | 3–4 or 3–5 | |
Primary One | 4–5 or 5–6 | Primary |
Primary Two | 5–6 or 6–7 | Primary |
Primary Three | 6–7 or 7–8 | Primary |
Primary Four | 7–8 or 8–9 | Primary |
Primary Five | 8–9 or 9–10 | Primary |
Primary Six | 9–10 or 10–11 | Primary |
Primary Seven | 10–11 or 11–12 | Primary |
First year | 11–12 or 12–13 | Secondary |
Second Year | 12–13 or 13–14 | Secondary |
Third Year | 13–14 or 14–15 | Secondary |
Fourth Year | 14–15 or 15–16 | Secondary |
Fifth Year | 15–16 or 16–17 | Secondary |
Sixth Year | 16–17 or 17–18 | Secondary |
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.