Editing Secondary education (section)

==Definition==
Secondary education refers to the stage of formal education that follows primary education and precedes higher education. It is typically offered to students between the ages of 12 and 18, although the specific age range may vary depending on the educational system and country. The purpose of secondary education is to provide students with a well-rounded education that prepares them for higher education or the workforce. It aims to develop their intellectual, social, and emotional skills, while also fostering critical thinking, creativity, and independence.

The 1997 [[International Standard Classification of Education]] (ISCED) describes seven levels that can be used to compare education internationally. Within a country these can be implemented in different ways, with different age levels and local denominations. The seven levels are:{{sfn|ISCED|1997}}
*    Level 0 – Pre-primary education
*    Level 1 – [[Primary education]] or first stage of basic education
*    Level 2 – Lower secondary or second stage of basic education
*    Level 3 – (Upper) secondary education
*    Level 4 – Post-secondary non-tertiary education
*    Level 5 – First stage of tertiary education
*    Level 6 – Second stage of tertiary education

Within this system, Levels 1 and 2 – that is, primary education and lower secondary – together form '''[[basic education]]'''. Beyond that, national governments may attach the label of '''secondary education''' to Levels 2 through 4 together, Levels 2 and 3 together, or Level 2 alone. These level definitions were put together for statistical purposes, and to allow the gathering of comparative data nationally and internationally. They were approved by the [[UNESCO]] General Conference at its 29th session in November 1997. Though they may be dated, they do provide a universal set of definitions{{sfn|ISCED|1997}} and remain unchanged in the 2011 update.{{sfn|ISCED|2012}}

The start of '''lower secondary education''' is characterised by the transition from the single-class-teacher, who delivers all content to a cohort of pupils, to one where content is delivered by a series of subject specialists. Its educational aim is to complete provision of basic education (thereby completing the delivery of basic skills) and to lay the foundations for lifelong learning.{{sfn|ISCED|1997}}

Lower secondary education is likely to show these criteria:
*entry after some six years of primary education
*the requirement for more highly qualified teachers teaching only within their specialism
*exit to Level 3 courses, or vocational education, or employment after nine or more total years of education.

The end of lower secondary education often coincides with the end of compulsory education in countries where that exists.{{sfn|ISCED|1997}}

'''(Upper) secondary education''' starts on the completion of basic education, which also is defined as completion of lower secondary education. The educational focus is varied according to the student's interests and future direction. Education at this level is usually voluntary.

(Upper) secondary education is likely to show these criteria:
*entry after some nine years of basic education
*typical age at entry is between 14 and 16 years
*all teachers have level 5 qualifications in the subject they are teaching
*exit to Level 4 or 5 courses or to direct employment.{{sfn|ISCED|1997}}

More subjects may be dropped, and increased specialism occurs. Completion of (upper) secondary education provides the entry requirements to Level 5 tertiary education, the entry requirements to technical or vocational education (Level 4, non tertiary course), or direct entry into the workplace.

In 2012 the [[International Standard Classification of Education|ISCED]] published further work on education levels where it codified particular paths and redefined the tertiary levels. Lower secondary education and (upper) secondary education could last between two and five years, and the transition between two often would be when students were allowed some subject choice.{{sfn|ISCED|2012}}

Terminology for secondary schools varies by country, and the exact meaning of any of these varies.{{citation needed|date=March 2017}} Secondary schools may also be called ''[[Academy|academies]]'', ''[[college]]s'', ''[[Gymnasium (school)|gymnasiums]]'', ''[[High school (upper secondary)|high school]]s'', ''[[lyceum]]s'', ''[[middle schools]]'', ''[[University-preparatory school|preparatory school]]s'', ''[[sixth-form college]]s'', ''[[upper school]]s'', or ''[[vocational school]]s'', among other names. For further information about nomenclature, see the [[#By country|section below by country]].