Types and Levels of Education: An Overview

 

Types of education are often classified into different levels or stages. One effective framework is the International Standard Classification of Education , which is maintained by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). This classification includes both formal and informal education and distinguishes levels based on factors such as the age of the learner, the duration of the education, and the complexity of the content covered. Additional criteria include entry requirements, teacher qualifications, and the expected outcome of successful completion. The levels are grouped into early childhood education (level 0), primary education (level 1), secondary education (levels 2–3), post-secondary non-tertiary education (level 4), and tertiary education (levels 5–8). 

Early childhood education, also known as preschool education or nursery education, covers the period from birth to the start of primary school. It is designed to facilitate holistic child development by addressing physical, mental, and social aspects. Early childhood education is important for promoting socialization and personality development , as well as providing basic skills in communication, learning, and problem-solving.  Its main goal is to prepare children for primary education. While preschool education is generally optional, in some countries, such as Brazil, it is compulsory from the age of four. 

Photo of early childhood education in Ethiopia

A primary school classroom in Ethiopia

Primary (or primary) education generally begins between the ages of five and seven and lasts four to seven years. It has no additional entry requirements and aims to provide basic skills in reading, writing and mathematics. In addition, it provides essential knowledge in subjects such as history, geography, science, music and art. Another goal is to facilitate personal development. Currently, primary education is compulsory in almost all nations, with over 90% of primary-school-age children worldwide attending such schools. 

Secondary education follows primary education and is generally between the ages of 12 and 18. It is generally divided into lower secondary education (such as middle school or junior high school) and upper secondary education (such as high school, senior high school or college, depending on the country).  Lower secondary education usually requires completion of primary school as a prerequisite for entry. It aims to broaden and deepen learning outcomes, with a greater focus on subject-specific curricula, and teachers are often specialists in one or a few specific subjects. One of its aims is to familiarize students with basic theoretical concepts in a variety of subjects, laying a solid foundation for lifelong learning. In some cases, it may also include a preliminary form of vocational training. Lower secondary education is compulsory in numerous countries in Central and East Asia, Europe, and the Americas. In some countries, it represents the final stage of compulsory education. However, compulsory lower secondary education is less common in the Arab States, sub-Saharan Africa, and South and West Asia.