lycées

Lycées are secondary schools in the French education system that prepare students for higher education and professional qualifications. They typically serve pupils aged around 15 to 18, following the collège, and are instrumental in guiding the transition from secondary to tertiary studies. Lycées can be public or private under contract and are funded and overseen by the Ministry of National Education.

History and role: The lycée system was developed in the early 19th century to provide centralized, state-run secondary education and to train future civil servants and professionals. Over time, lycées became the main pathway to the baccalauréat, the national diploma that determines access to most universities and many further training opportunities. While the structure has evolved, the lycée remains a core institution for secondary-level instruction and credentialing in France and in some French-speaking regions abroad.

Structure and pathways: A typical lycée covers three years: seconde, première, and terminale. There are three broad tracks: general, technological, and professional. General lycées prepare students for the baccalauréat général, which historically included streams focused on science, economics and social sciences, or humanities; technological lycées focus on applied sciences and industry-related subjects; professional lycées lead to the baccalauréat professionnel, with strong vocational training. In recent reforms, the general and technological paths emphasize specialized subjects and project-based work, while maintaining the national exam at the end of terminale.

Assessment and outcomes: The baccalauréat is the national diploma awarded at the end of terminale. It combines written examinations, practical or oral assessments, and continuous coursework, and it serves as the primary credential for university admission and many forms of postsecondary training.

Other notes: Some lycées offer international sections, bilingual programs, or apprenticeships, and others specialize in arts, languages, or sciences.