Educational stages

Formal learning is typically divided into a number of educational stages covering early childhood education, primary education, secondary education and tertiary (or higher) education. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognizes seven levels of education in its International Standard Classification of Education system (ISCED, from Level 0 (pre-primary education) through Level 6 (second stage of tertiary education). UNESCO's International Bureau of Education maintains a database of country-specific education systems and their stages.

Education during childhood and early adulthood is typically provided through either a two- or three-stage system of childhood schooling, followed by additional stages of college or vocational training for those who continue their formal education:

The following table introduces the main concepts, although terms and ages may vary in different places:

For additional ISCED stages of education, see ISCED.

Sudbury schools do not use formal grade levels or educational stages. Instead, students ages 4 through 18 are intermingled in a democratic educational system, relying on a series of certifications to use equipment that may require specialized knowledge and/or safety procedures. These certifications are not typically restricted by age, but rather by demonstrated ability.

In Australia, children undergo twelve years of formal education (plus Preschool, Kindergarten and/or a "preparatory grade" or "Prep"), usually starting at age four, five or six, and finishing at age 16, 17 or 18. The Years are numbered from 1 to 12.

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