secondary education

USAGE SUMMARY

'secondary education' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to the education obtained after completing primary school, generally culminating in grade 12 or the equivalent. For example, "John continued his education by taking part in secondary education at his local high school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Education, especially secondary education for girls, must be prioritized.

Huffington Post

Secondary education was expanding.

Encyclopedia Britannica

See also secondary education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Secondary education is free.

The Economist

Secondary education expanded.

Britannica

Eliot's influence reached into secondary education.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Post-secondary education in prison collapsed.

The Economist

Only 5.9%% had attained post-secondary education.

Pastoralism

The net amount of funding for post-secondary education.

Vice

None had completed any post-secondary education.

BMC Women's Health

Only 40%% had some post-secondary education.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing educational systems in different countries, clarify the specific grades or age ranges covered by "secondary education" as definitions can vary.

Common error

Avoid using "secondary education" when you actually mean post-secondary or higher education (college/university). "Secondary education" refers to high school, not degrees pursued afterward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "secondary education" functions as a noun phrase that identifies a specific stage of formal learning. This stage follows primary education and precedes higher education. Ludwig AI confirms this as a standard and grammatically sound phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "secondary education" is a standard and grammatically correct term referring to the period of schooling following primary education, typically encompassing high school. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase's validity and usability. It is very commonly used across various contexts, particularly in news, science, and encyclopedias, indicating a broad understanding and application. While grammatically straightforward, it's important to avoid confusion with post-secondary education and to specify grade levels when discussing international contexts. Common alternatives include "high school education" and "second-level education". The phrase's primary purpose is to classify a level of education, and it is used in both neutral and formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Second-level education

Uses a more general term for the level of education, similar to "secondary education".

Post-primary education

Defines the education that follows primary school, equivalent to "secondary education".

High school education

Refers specifically to education at the high school level. Focuses on the specific institution where secondary education occurs.

Post elementary education

Describes education after elementary school, synonymous with "secondary education".

Second stage education

Highlights the sequential nature of education, referring to the second stage after primary.

Upper school studies

Emphasizes the academic aspect of secondary education, referring to studies in the upper grades.

Further education

Encompasses all education beyond the compulsory years, including both secondary and tertiary levels.

Advanced schooling

A more general term emphasizing the advanced nature of the education compared to primary levels.

Adolescent education

Focuses on the age group typically associated with secondary education.

General Certificate of Secondary Education

This alternative is a specific qualification obtained at the end of secondary education in the UK.

FAQs

How is "secondary education" different from primary education?

"Secondary education" follows primary education and typically encompasses high school or equivalent levels, whereas primary education refers to elementary school.

What's the difference between "secondary education" and post-secondary education?

"Secondary education" is high school. Post-"secondary education" refers to college, university, or vocational training pursued after high school graduation.

Which subjects are commonly taught during "secondary education"?

Common subjects in "secondary education" include mathematics, science, history, literature, and foreign languages, but it can change based on the school program.

What is the typical age range for students in "secondary education"?

Students in "secondary education" are typically between the ages of 14 and 18, although this may vary depending on the country's educational system.