After primary school, students move to the secondary level, which is divided into two stages.

The first stage, Le Collège (Middle School), is composed of 4 years of study, for students ages eleven through fifteen (similar to a US middle school).
Students receive a Brevet des Collèges upon its completion at the end of 9th grade.

After Le Collège students attend Le Lycée (High School) for the final 3 years of secondary education. Students then take an examination to receive the Baccalauréat (bac) qualification. The Baccalauréat is equivalent to the US high school diploma, but differs in that it requires preparatory study.