Secondary schools in Iran serve students typically aged 12 to 18, following the completion of primary education. The education system is divided into two main cycles: the first cycle lasts for three years, while the second cycle, which is also three years, prepares students for higher education or vocational training. Curriculum in Iranian secondary schools includes a mix of core subjects such as mathematics, science, literature, and foreign languages, along with religious education. Students often take national exams at the end of their secondary education, which play a crucial role in determining their future academic and career paths.