The baccalauréat, often known in France colloquially as the bac, is a French national academic qualification that students can obtain at the completion of their secondary education by meeting certain requirements. Though it has only existed in its present form as a school-leaving examination since Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's implementation on March 17, 1808, its origins date back to the first medieval French universities. According to French law, the baccalaureate is the first academic degree, though it grants the completion of secondary education. Historically, the baccalaureate is administratively supervised by full professors at universities.
A diploma of baccalauréat général; it is issued by the recteur d'académie by delegation from the Minister of National Education.
Secondary education in France
In France, secondary education is in two stages:Collèges cater for the first four years of secondary education from the ages of 11 to 15.
Lycées provide a three-year course of further secondary education for children between the ages of 15 and 18. Pupils are prepared for the baccalauréat, which can lead to higher education studies or directly to professional life. There are three main types of baccalauréat: the baccalauréat général, baccalauréat technologique and baccalauréat professionnel.
Lycée Henri-IV in Paris
A lycée in Rennes, from the 19th century.