Education in Russia

In the Russian Federation the school education is compulsory. Pupils begin to go to school at the age of six or seven. When they complete high grades they can either continue to study at school for 2 years, or go to a professional schools where they study not only main subjects, but are able to learn some professions. When school pupils leave school they can try to continue their education in institutes or universities.

There are many types of schools in Russia: specialized, polytechnical, musical, art and others. Nowadays some new types of schools appeared: gymnasiums and colleges. Citizens of Russia have the right to education which is guaranteed by the Constitution. The public educational system in our country incorporates pre-school, general school, specialized secondary and higher education.

Pre-schools consist of kindergartens and crèches. Children there learn reading, writing and arithmetic. But pre-school education isn’t compulsory-children can get it at home.

Compulsory education is for children from 6 (7) to 17 years of age. There are various types of schools: general secondary schools, schools specializing in a certain subject, high schools, lyceum and so on. Tuition in most of them is free of charge, but some new types of schools are free-paying. The term of study in a general secondary school is 11 years and consists of primary, middle and upper stages.

After the 9^th form pupils have to take examinations. Also they have a choice between entering the 10^th grade of a general secondary school and entering a specialized secondary or vocational school.

Persons who finish the general secondary school, receive a secondary education certificate, giving them the right to enter any higher educational establishment. Entrance examinations are held in July and August. Institutions are headed by rectors; the faculties are headed by the deans. One has to study in the institute for 5 years. Higher educational institutions train students in one or several specializations.