Lower
At the lower secondary level all schools offer a general educational program leading to the Certificate of Lower Secondary Education, also known as Matayom 3 or MS 3.
The basic admission requirement to public secondary school is the completion of primary education or its equivalent. Admission to private schools and top public schools is by means of an entrance examination. Competition for places at top public schools is high, as attendance at the best schools maximizes the chances of gaining entry to the nation’s best universities.
The general curriculum, which private schools must also follow, covers five main subject areas: Thai and foreign languages, science and mathematics, social studies, arts, vocational education.
Students must complete 90 units of study, with passing grades in at least 80 units including Thai and social studies. Assessment is conducted in school and students accumulate grade points.