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Below, we outline the different grade levels, and years of compulsory education, in Canada. We also compare the Canadian grade level system to that of five other countries—Poland, the United States, Britain, France, and Germany. 

For each country, we highlight the years of compulsory education in blue.

Canada’s grade levels compared to other countries

More on Canadian grade levels versus other countries

In Canada, students are required to go to school for at least 10 years. Like the US, school attendance in Canada is compulsory from Grade 1 until at least Grade 10. In some Canadian provinces and US states, though, students are required to complete high school, right through to the end of Grade 12. If you're interested in the grade structures of Canada's 12 provinces, read our guide. You can also learn how the Canadian education system compares with that of the US and Britain.

Poland

In Poland, compulsory education usually starts when children are 6 years old (zerówka or the so-called zero year), and ends after 12 years of learning. 

Britain

In Britain (and all of the UK), compulsory education is 12 years. Children must attend school from the reception year (right before Year 1) until Year 11. In France and Germany, meanwhile, compulsory education runs 9 years, the North American equivalent of Grade 1 to 9.

Germany

Also, in Germany, students, at age 12, can attend Realschule, Mittelschule, Gymnasium, or Gesamtschule, instead of Hauptschule. Each of these types of secondary school has a different focus and grade range.