baccalaureate

The baccalauréat (), often known in France colloquially as le bac, is an academic qualification which French and international students take at the end of the lycée (High School) (secondary education). It was introduced by Napoleon I in 1808. It is the main diploma required to pursue university studies. There is also the European Baccalaureate which students take at the end of the European School education. It confirms a rounded secondary education, gives access to a wide range of university education and differs from British A-levels in that it cannot be obtained in single subjects.