Secondary Education, program of public education immediately following elementary schooling. It begins generally at the age of 12 to 14 and continues from four to six years. Some types of secondary education, such as vocational schooling, are terminal and prepare the student for employment upon graduation. Others lead to advanced training in colleges, universities, or technical schools. In the U.S., secondary education includes the junior and senior high schools. In many foreign countries, this level of education often embraces the junior or community college as well as the first two years of university training. The purpose of secondary education is to expand knowledge of subjects already studied, including the systematic study of literature, foreign languages, sciences, mathematics, social studies, and other subjects essential for physical and intellectual development and to prepare students as future citizens. In some countries, military training is also required.