According to andyeducation, the educational system in Uganda follows a similar structure to many countries in the region, with seven years of primary school followed by six years of secondary school. Primary education is compulsory for children between the ages of 6 and 14 and free up to the age of 16. The curriculum includes English, mathematics, science and social studies as well as electives such as art and music. At the end of primary school, students take an external examination which determines whether or not they may proceed to secondary school. Secondary school consists of an additional six years with a focus on academic subjects such as English, mathematics and science as well as vocational training. Students have the opportunity to pursue electives in areas such as art and music. Upon completion of secondary school, students are eligible to attend university or other higher-level institutions such as vocational schools or academies. In order to ensure quality standards are met throughout the educational system, Uganda has two levels of accreditation: state-accredited institutions and those accredited by international bodies such as UNESCO. Additionally, Uganda has made a commitment to increase access to higher education by expanding its universities and institutes across the country. At present there is an ongoing effort to modernize curriculum across all levels of learning in order to better prepare graduates for their future careers. This includes a focus on IT literacy and English language instruction in primary schools as well as introducing new disciplines such as business studies at universities across the country. In addition, Uganda is working towards increasing access to higher education outside its borders by signing agreements with foreign universities that allow students from Uganda greater opportunities for study abroad. See educationvv for Uganda educational systems.
