Education in Australia encompasses the sectors of early childhood education (preschool) and primary education, followed by secondary education, and finally tertiary education, which includes higher education and vocational education. Regulation and funding of education is primarily the responsibility of the States and territories; however, the Australian Government also plays a funding role.
St Patricks Primary in Murrumbeena one of many Catholic primary schools in Australia
The Mac.Robertson Girls' High School, a government school in Melbourne CBD, pictured in 2007
Warwick High School, a government school in Warwick, Queensland, pictured in 2007
Quairading District High School, a government school in Quairading, Western Australia, pictured in 2018
Secondary education or post-primary education covers two phases on the International Standard Classification of Education scale. Level 2 or lower secondary education is considered the second and final phase of basic education, and level 3 upper secondary education or senior secondary education is the stage before tertiary education. Every country aims to provide basic education, but the systems and terminology remain unique to them. Secondary education typically takes place after six years of primary education and is followed by higher education, vocational education or employment. In most countries secondary education is compulsory, at least until the age of 16. Children typically enter the lower secondary phase around age 12. Compulsory education sometimes extends to age 20.
A high school senior classroom in the United States