Secondary education is the second level of compulsory education, in which the emphasis shifts from the mastery of basic skills in literacy, numeracy and social behaviour, to a greater emphasis on individual subjects taught by specialist teachers.
The minimum leaving age of 16 years generally coincides with the completion of Year 10. Entry age to secondary school is usually between 11½ and 13 years of age.
The first four years of secondary education (Years 7 to 10 inclusive) are catered for in high schools and district high schools. All government high schools and district high schools are coeducational, with the exceptions of the all-girls Ogilvie High School and the all-boys New Town High School. Senior secondary colleges cover Years 11 and 12.