Upon completion of primary school, pupils are promoted to secondary schools on the basis of the score required in the national examination.
Secondary school education is composed of a general education cycle that lasts three (3) years and a second cycle of different options that lasts two (2) or three (3) years. There shall be an examination at the end of each cycle in secondary school where a successful Candidate shall be awarded a Certificate or diploma.
The language of instruction is either French or English except for the teaching of other languages.
Secondary schools are either boarding or day type. The school management together with the School General Assembly are responsible for the smooth running of the school hostels, proper accommodation as well as the discipline and conduct of pupils.
Every secondary school is led by a Headmaster or a Headmistress who is responsible for its smooth running. He or she is assisted by other administrative personnel, teachers and supporting staff.
Secondary school teachers must have at least a qualification of the first cycle of the university for those who teach in the first cycle of secondary schools, and a degree of the second or third cycle of university level for those who teach in the second cycle of secondary schools.
| 2008 | 2010 | |
| S1 | 69,564 | 133,064 |
| S2 | 61,691 | 104,029 |
| S3 | 52,029 | 61,706 |
| S4 | 39,013 | 48,717 |
| S5 | 35,821 | 39,704 |
| S6 | 28,918 | 38,367 |
