Primary education lasts for nine years (Ecole
fondamentale). Secondary education is compulsory
and consists of a three-year cycle of study provided
in secondary schools and technicums.
three branches of secondary education: general,
specialized and technical/vocational.
in general secondary and specialized secondary
education study for three years and sit for the
Baccalauréat examination. Successful students
are awarded the Baccalauréat de l'Enseignement
secondaire in one of the various streams offered.
The Baccalauréat gives access to higher
education but some institutions require it to
be of a certain type (science, arts, etc.). The
objective of technical and vocational secondary
education is to prepare students for active life
and industry (technicians and qualified workers).
Studies last between one and four years, according
to the type of training undertaken and can also
lead to higher education.