Secondary education in Kazakhstan is mandatory and includes General secondary, primary professional and secondary professional education. In the first class of children aged 6-7 years. General secondary education of Kazakhstan contains 3 stages: primary (1-4 grades), basic (grades 5-9) and senior (10-11). For the most complete development of the potential of gifted students developed educational programs that are implemented in specialized schools for gifted children.
Initial vocational education in Kazakhstan is acquired in 2-3 years at vocational schools and vocational lyceums on the basis of basic General education. Secondary vocational education is provided for 3-4 years in colleges and schools on the basis of the basic General education on a competitive basis.