1. Organization of the education system in Italy 16/04/2009Mariolina Bono1

2. Pre-primary education is organized at scuola dell'infanzia, it lasts 3 years and it is addressed to children from 3 to 6 years of age. The scuola dell'infanzia is part of the education and training system, yet it is not compulsory. 16/04/2009Mariolina Bono2

3. Primary education Primary school lasts five years, from 6 to 11 years, and is subdivided into a first year linked up to the scuola dell'infanzia, and two two-year periods. 16/04/2009Mariolina Bono3

4. Secondary education Secondary education has divided into two different levels. The lower secondary level (scuola secondaria di primo grado), lasting 3 years (from 11 to 14 years of age). Together with the primary school, it makes up the first cycle of education, which lasts 8 years. Upper secondary education is offered by the licei, in the technical institutes and in the vocational institutes. 16/04/2009Mariolina Bono4

5. Both in the licei and in the technical institutes, the overall length of study is 5 years (from 14 to 19 years of age). Vocational institutes offer courses lasting either 3 or 5 years. 16/04/2009Mariolina Bono5

6. Teachers and education staff Teachers of state schools can be distinguished as follows: teachers of scuola dell'infanzia; teachers of first-cycle schools: primary schools; teachers of first cycle schools: lower secondary schools; teachers of upper secondary schools; teachers of Catholic religion in scuole dell'infanzia, primary and secondary schools. 16/04/2009Mariolina Bono6