Guide to French School Education

9. French Lycée - Upper Secondary School

1. Types of Lycée
2. General/Technological Lycée
3. Vocational/Professional Lycée
4. Baccalaureate Exam
5. School Choice

9.1. Types of Lycée in France

Broadly speaking, there are two types of lycée, each having a slightly different purpose, leading to different qualifications.

The two main types are:

1. General/Technological Lycée
2. Vocational/Professional Lycée

Those who propose to go on to higher education would generally attend a lycée général et technologique, whilst those who propose to go directly into employment attend a lycée professionnel.

There are also apprenticeship centres (centres de formation d'apprentis - CFA), which, although not strictly part of the lycée system, are part of the general system of secondary education.

Around a third of all lycées in France are 'private' a topic we consider at Private Lycees in France. Although operating privately, the schools are controlled by the State.

Next: General/Technological Lycee

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