Secondary education

Secondary Education is the educational level in Türkiye provided to students aged 14 to 17 following primary school and typically lasts four years. This period is designed to equip students with general cultural knowledge and vocational skills, preparing them for higher education or the workforce.

Secondary education is compulsory and offered by public and private formal schools under the authority of the Ministry of National Education. These institutions deliver education within a defined curriculum and admit students through various examinations.

The operation of secondary education institutions is regulated by the Regulation on Secondary Education Institutions issued by the Ministry of National Education. The regulation covers the establishment of school types, implementation of curricula, student admission criteria and other administrative procedures.

Types of Education

Secondary education institutions are divided into two main categories: general and vocational/technical.

General Secondary Education Institutions

These institutions provide students with broad general cultural and academic knowledge to prepare them for university.

• Anadolu High Schools: Offer instruction primarily in Turkish alongside foreign language education.
• Science High Schools: Focus on mathematics and natural sciences with emphasis on scientific research and analytical thinking skills.
• Social Sciences High Schools: Provide intensive education in history geography and social sciences.
• Fine Arts High Schools: Offer specialization in areas such as music painting dance and theater.
• Sports High Schools: Provide academic education alongside specialized training in various sports disciplines.

Vocational and Technical Secondary Education Institutions

These institutions equip students with knowledge and skills in specific occupational fields offering both theoretical and practical education.

• Vocational High Schools: Provide vocational training in fields such as accounting computer science tourism services and other technical areas.
• Technical High Schools: Focus on industry engineering and technical skills supported by practical projects and laboratory work.
• Industrial Vocational High Schools: Train qualified workforce for factories and production environments.
• Health Vocational High Schools: Offer education in nursing laboratory technology and health services.
• Agricultural Vocational High Schools: Provide knowledge and practical skills in agriculture animal husbandry and the food sector.

Educational Process

Secondary education in Türkiye is a four-year program spanning grades 9 through 12. The process aims to develop students’ academic and vocational competencies and prepare them for higher education or the labor market.

Grade and Course Structure: Students progress from grade 9 to grade 12. Courses consist of common and elective subjects based on the school type. Common subjects include Turkish Language and Literature Mathematics Natural Sciences (Physics Chemistry Biology) Social Sciences (History Geography Philosophy Religious Culture and Ethics) and a Foreign Language (English is mandatory; some schools offer a second foreign language).

Vocational and Technical Courses: Students in vocational and technical high schools take applied courses specific to their fields.

Assessment: Students are evaluated throughout the year through midterm exams projects and performance tasks. Their achievements are measured at the end of the year through final examinations. In grade 12 students take the university entrance examination.

Counseling and Career Services: Guidance teachers in schools support students’ academic and personal development and assist with career planning.

Technology and Digital Education: Students can access lesson content tests and educational materials through digital platforms such as EBA.

Legal Framework and Regulations

Secondary education in Türkiye is a structured educational level established under constitutional and legal provisions. Article 42 of the Constitution states that every individual has the right to education and that compulsory education is provided by the state. The Fundamental Law of National Education (Law No. 1739) defines the objectives of secondary education its compulsory nature the management principles of educational institutions and oversight mechanisms.

The administration of secondary education institutions is detailed in the Regulation on Secondary Education Institutions issued by the Ministry of National Education. The regulation specifies school types student admission conditions curricula and course content and includes provisions for internships and practical training programs in vocational and technical high schools. The regulation may be updated in line with the needs of the education system and societal demands.

Transition to secondary education is managed through centralized examinations. In current practice the Secondary Education Transition Examination (LGS) determines placement of students into secondary education institutions at the end of grade 8. The scope implementation and evaluation of the examination are conducted by the Ministry of National Education. Private secondary education institutions also operate in accordance with relevant legislation and regulations and are subject to licensing and oversight procedures.

The legal framework ensures standardization of secondary education protection of the right to education and access to a high-quality learning experience for students.