Secondary education serves as a transitional period for many people between childhood and adulthood. In this period, high school students’ education expands to include adult obligations like holding down a part-time job, filing taxes, or possibly setting money aside for university education.

At the time of graduation from high school, students are 18 years old. Students typically start the 12th grade of high school when they are 17 years old and finish it when they are 18 years old. Students enroll in a GED program once they turn 21 and have graduated from high school. Learn more about graduate age by reading this article.

What Age Do You Graduate High School In The UK?

In the UK, high school graduates usually range in age from 16 to 18. Students can stop attending school at 16 but must enroll in vocational schools before they turn 18. Those who decide to enroll in year 13 or sixth form typically take their A-level exams when they are 18 years old. People who had to retake the A-levels or started kindergarten later may graduate at the age of 19. You may be interested in What Age Do You Start Primary School In The UK?

Maximum Age Limit For High School Graduates

Generally speaking, the maximum age at which someone can no longer enroll in the compulsory education system is 21. Nevertheless, the minimum age varies from state to state. Typically, students who are currently underage but will be over the age limit by the end of the year can still enroll. States may have different regulations regarding this subject.

According to statistics provided by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES), most states only require school attendance of those between 6 and 17 years of age, even though education itself must remain available to any until the maximum age limit.

How Old Are You When You Enter Junior High School?

Teenagers in the US can begin junior high school in the 7th grade when they are 12–13 years old. Teenagers typically attend junior high from the ages of 12 to 15, and it consists of grades 7, 8, and 9. Grades 10, 11, and 12 are considered senior high. Teenagers begin senior high school at around 15 years old and complete high school at 17 to 18.

High School Diploma Alternatives

Not every student who enrolls in high school eventually completes it. While this does not preclude them from employment in the future, it might significantly restrict their options for careers. People who did not finish high school but have reached the age requirement for re-enrollment are still able to pursue a secondary education.

General Education Development (GED) Test

Adult students would aim to pass the General Education Development test (GED) rather than a high school diploma or certificate of completion.

In order to determine whether a candidate satisfies those requirements without actually attending high school, the GED is a set of paid exams. With the completion of secondary school in a traditional classroom setting, students are awarded a high school diploma. A GED, on the other hand, confirms that a person possesses the same academic knowledge, despite having picked it up outside of high school or secondary school. The four subjects that it tests knowledge on are:

• language arts
• math
• science
• social studies

While some GED courses can be taken online, GED finals must be taken in person at an authorized testing location or through an online proctor. Online testing has the advantage of being available 24/7 from a distance. Unfortunately, there may not be much room for you to sit during in-person testing, and scheduling may be difficult.

Any age is a good time to obtain a GED because it has many advantages. Those who have their GED can, for instance, apply for higher-paying jobs, enroll in college, apply for scholarships for technical or college training, advance in their current line of work, and enlist in the military.

Just the financial advantages are included in all of this. A GED also offers the opportunity to establish healthier habits, gives the learner practical study and test-taking techniques, and provides a great example to those around them. A GED, in other words, is a simple illustration of how diligence and study can yield a real benefit.

States have different requirements for taking the GED. For example, while some states demand that candidates be at least 16 years of age, others list their minimum as 17 years of age (source). Thank goodness, there is a tool on the GED website that lists costs and admission requirements by state.

Adults seeking a GED may find it difficult to balance their other obligations while enrolled in a GED program. It may be challenging, but it is possible to work, raise a family, and pursue your education at the same time. Gaining a GED is possible through a variety of programs.

Users can sign in and take classes at any time with online programs (such as GED+, USAHello, or a free program). A personal advisor is a feature of reputable programs as well, and they can offer extra advice on how to stay organized and focused.

Some other programs might be live and in-person. Examine the study resources being used, the availability of practice exams, the likelihood of in-class attendance, and any reviews from previous students when choosing a GED program. Examine costs and refund provisions before deciding on a course because not all are free.

Certificate Of Completion

A Certificate of Completion is an additional option for graduation. These certificates are used for students with Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) who haven’t fulfilled their state’s graduation requirements but still want to take part in graduation ceremonies with their class. The certificate is insufficient as proof of academic standing. It only validates high school attendance.

As a result, they cannot serve as a requirement for admission to institutions of higher learning or to similar programs that would demand a GED or high school diploma. However, receiving a Certificate of Completion does not preclude the student from later returning to receive a full diploma or a high school equivalency degree (as long as they do so within the acceptable age range).