Secondary school education is the second stage of formal education in Malaysia. Secondary education for Malaysian students starts at age 13 and continues for of five to seven years.

Just as in primary school, there is a standardised  curriculum (Malay version only) for secondary school as well. It was designed and implemented to ensure consistency in learning standards. The students’ level of understanding is measured through general examinations at the end of each year.

In the course of their secondary education, students are required to sit for two national examinations set by the Malaysian Examination Syndicate.  

After their third year (Form Three) students are required to sit for the Lower Secondary Assessment (Penilaian Menengah Rendah) (PMR) (Malay version only) examination.

In Form Five they are required to take the Malaysia Certificate of Education (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia) (SPM) (Malay version only) examination.

With the completion of Form Five, students who wish to continue their education have the option to either continue with Form Six or further their studies with other public or private tertiary institutions. Students who opt for Form Six are required to sit for the Malaysia Higher School Certificate (Sijil Tinggi Penilaian Malaysia) (STPM) (Malay version only) examination.