Year Twelve

Year Twelve is an educational year group in schools in many countries including England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. It is sometimes the twelfth year of compulsory education, or alternatively a year of post-compulsory education. It usually incorporates students aged between 15 and 18, depending on the locality. It is also known as "senior year" in the US, Canada and parts of Australia.

Australia

In Australia, Year Twelve is either the 12th or 13th year of compulsory education or the first or second year of post-compulsory education, depending on the state. However, one may leave school in year 10, after completing a series of compulsory tests, unless in Victoria, where no tests are required. It is the third year of "senior school", following Year 10 and 11 and fifth year of high school. Although there are slight variations between the states, most students in Year Twelve are aged between 17 and 18.^[1]

New Zealand

In New Zealand, Year Twelve is the 12th full year of compulsory education. Students are aged 16 or 17 in this year group, but can also be aged 18. ^[2] although there is no minimum age. The minimum age for leaving compulsory education is 16 years of age so for some students this will be their last year of compulsory education. Year Twelve pupils are educated in Secondary schools or in Area schools.^[3] Year Twelve was previously known as the 6th form and most students will be studying for NCEA Level 2. It is followed by Year Thirteen, the final year of Secondary education in New Zealand.

United Kingdom

England and Wales

In schools in England Year Twelve is the 12th year after Reception. It is the second last year of compulsory education^[4] and usually forms part of a sixth form or sixth form college. It was previously known as the "Lower sixth".

Students in Year 12 in the mainland United Kingdom (excluding Scotland) can study A Level qualifications in sixth form college, or alternatively the more vocational BTEC. Students have the option to stay at the school they studied their GCSE (or equivalent) qualifications or move to another educational facility which carries the A level. There are many subjects available to study at AS Level including sciences, mathematics, humanities and languages but also vocational subjects such as art & design, drama and IT.

Northern Ireland

In Northern Ireland, Year Twelve is the fifth and final year of compulsory post-primary education. Students in Year Twelve are aged between 15 and 16. It is the final year of Key Stage 4.^[5]

References