As outlined in Chapter 5, secondary education in Georgia (grades 11–12) represents the final stage of the general education system. This critical phase is specifically designed to prepare students for the demands of higher education, vocational education, or professional pathways.
Secondary education focuses on equipping students with a comprehensive set of skills, knowledge, and competencies to ensure their readiness for academic challenges and future careers. Through a combination of mandatory core subjects and elective courses, this stage encourages specialization based on students’ individual interests and long-term goals.
Students who successfully complete secondary education receive the Full General Education Certificate, the essential qualification for pursuing higher education or higher vocational education, marking the culmination of the general education journey in Georgia.
Organization
Types of Institutions
Secondary education is delivered through general secondary schools and vocational institutions. At the secondary education level, there are implemented vocational education programs (secondary vocational educational programs) in which the study results of the secondary level of general education are integrated (integrated programs). Such programs are provided both by vocational educational institutions – colleges and general educational institutions. After completion of the integrated program, a diploma equivalent to a full general education certificate is issued (Law on General Education (2005) (Article 6).
Geographical Accessibility
Secondary education is accessible nationwide, with additional funding provided for schools in rural and mountainous areas to cover higher operational costs (Article 7, Law on General Education). In small schools, classes may be combined to optimize resources.
Admission Requirements and Choice of School
Admission to secondary education is automatic after completing basic education (grades 7-10). Public schools have an open enrolment policy, while private schools may establish their own admission criteria, provided they meet national standards. SEN students receive individualized assessments to guide appropriate placement in schools (Article 9, Law on General Education).
Age Levels and Grouping of Pupils/Students
Secondary education covers grades 11 through 12, typically for students aged 16 to 18. Students are grouped by age, but rural schools may combine classes for certain subjects to make efficient use of resources (Article 19, Law on General Education).
Organization of the School Year
Secondary schools follow the national academic calendar, which begins in September and is divided into two semesters. Schools may adjust the schedule as necessary, provided they adhere to the minimum number of instructional days (Article 7, Law on General Education).
Organization of the School Day and Week
Secondary schools operate on a five-day week. Instructional hours are governed by the National Curriculum, with a balance between academic and extracurricular activities. SEN students may follow individualized schedules as part of their IEPs (Article 19, Law on General Education).
Teaching and Learning
Curriculum, Subjects, Number of Hours
The National Curriculum governs secondary education subjects, including Georgian language, mathematics, sciences, social sciences, and physical education. Foreign language instruction begins with English in grade 1, followed by a second foreign language in grade 5 (Article 5, Law on General Education). Vocational pathway (integrated programs which can be implemented by colleges or general educational institutions) is also available to students pursuing career-oriented education (Article 5).
Teaching Methods and Materials
Secondary teachers are encouraged to use interactive and critical thinking-based teaching methods. Schools must use textbooks approved by the Ministry of Education but may adopt additional teaching resources that suit their instructional needs. SEN students benefit from individualized teaching approaches and assistive technology, as outlined in their IEPs (Article 5, Law on General Education).
Assessment
Pupil/Student Assessment
Assessment at the secondary level includes regular coursework, exams, and project work. Continuous assessment is mandatory, with students evaluated quarterly. Schools must provide retake opportunities for students who miss assessments due to valid reasons (Article 6, Law on General Education).
Progression of Pupils/Students
To progress to the next grade, students must achieve a minimum score of 5.0 in each subject. Those who fail to meet this requirement are allowed to take supplementary exams, such as the autumn retake exam (Article 6, Law on General Education).
Certification
Upon successful completion of secondary education, students receive a Certificate of Secondary Education, qualifying them for higher education or vocational education. A diploma issued as a result of completing a secondary vocational education program that integrates the learning outcomes of the secondary level of general education is equivalent to a document certifying complete general education (Law on Vocational Education (2018) (Article 16).