What grades are included in secondary school?

Considering that educational structures differ across countries and regions, especially in places like the United States versus the UK or elsewhere, and knowing that the term “secondary school” might encompass different stages of a young person’s education, which specific grade levels are typically included in secondary school? Additionally, could you clarify the general age range of students within those grades to help me understand the typical progression from primary education onward?

Secondary school encompasses different grade ranges depending on the country’s educational system:

1. United States: Grades 9, 10, 11, and 12 (typically ages 14-18). These are commonly referred to as freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years.
2. England and Wales: Years 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 (typically ages 11-16). Year 11 concludes with GCSE exams.
3. Scotland: Secondary school includes S1 to S6 (typically ages 12-18). Standard Grades/National 4/5 are taken in S4/S5, with Highers/Advanced Highers in S6.
4. Canada: Varies by province but generally includes grades 9-12 (ages 14-18) in most provinces (e.g., Ontario, British Columbia). Some provinces (e.g., Quebec) have a different structure (grades 7-11 before CEGEP).
5. Australia: Typically Years 7-12 (ages 12-18), though some states (e.g., Queensland) structure it as Years 8-12 or Years 7-10 followed by senior colleges for Years 11-12.
6. New Zealand: Years 9-13 (ages 13-17). NCEA qualifications begin in Year 11.
7. India: Grades 9 and 10 (ages 14-16) are part of secondary school under the CBSE/ICSE boards, followed by senior secondary (Grades 11-12).
8. South Africa: Grades 8, 9 (Senior Phase) and Grades 10-12 (Further Education and Training/FET phase), culminating in the National Senior Certificate.
9. Ireland: Junior Cycle covers Years 1-3 (typically ages 12-15), followed by Senior Cycle covering Years 4-6 (ages 15-18), leaving examinations like the Leaving Certificate.
10. Philippines: Grades 7-10 (Junior High School) and Grades 11-12 (Senior High School), under the K-12 system.

Note: In regions with middle schools (e.g., parts of the US), grades 6-8 may be included, but these are often categorized separately from traditional secondary/high school. The exact terminology and grade structure vary internationally.