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CodeSE.SEC.AGES
Indicator NameLower secondary school starting age (years)
Short definitionLower secondary school starting age is the age at which students would enter lower secondary education, assuming they had started at the official entrance age for the lowest level of education, had studied full-time throughout and had progressed through the system without repeating or skipping a grade.
Long definitionLower secondary school starting age is the age at which students would enter lower secondary education, assuming they had started at the official entrance age for the lowest level of education, had studied full-time throughout and had progressed through the system without repeating or skipping a grade.
SourceData API, UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), uri: https://databrowser.uis.unesco.org/resources, note: The data are obtained through the UIS API. Detailed documentation is available at: https://api.uis.unesco.org/api/public/documentation/, publisher: UNESCO Institute for Statistics (UIS), date accessed: 2025-09-22, date published: 2025-09
TopicEducation: Inputs
DatasetWDI
Unit of measureYears
PeriodicityAnnual
Reference period1970-2023
Statistical concept and methodologyMethodology: Data on education are collected by the UNESCO Institute for Statistics from official responses to its annual education survey. All the data are mapped to the International Standard Classification of Education (ISCED) to ensure the comparability of education programs at the international level. The current version was formally adopted by UNESCO Member States in 2011. The reference years reflect the school year for which the data are presented. In some countries the school year spans two calendar years (for example, from September 2010 to June 2011); in these cases the reference year refers to the year in which the school year ended (2011 in the example). Statistical concept(s): This indicator provides insights into the demand for educational services across various educational levels. Additionally, it serves as a crucial data point necessary for the generation of numerous educational indicators.
Development relevanceEducation is recognized as an essential human right that must be afforded to all individuals. Secondary education imparts critical skills that enable individuals to engage fully in societal activities. Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 4.1 highlights the significance of secondary education by promoting inclusive and equitable quality education at this level for all youth.
Limitations and exceptionsThe theoretical entrance age to a given programme or level is typically, but not always, the most common entrance age.
License URLhttps://datacatalog.worldbank.org/public-licenses#cc-by
License TypeCC BY-4.0
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