Technical secondary schools, vocational schools and technical schools are the three main types of secondary vocational education in China. Although they all belong to the category of secondary education, there are some differences in terms of students, nature, teaching and academic qualifications. This paper will discuss these differences in depth to help readers better understand these three types of education.

Student source difference

Technical secondary schools and vocational schools mainly recruit junior high school graduates, while technical schools recruit more students, including junior high school graduates and senior high school graduates. High school graduates can choose to study senior technician major or technician level major to further improve their skills.

Natural differences

Technical secondary school education is carried out after the end of nine-year compulsory education, which is equivalent to the high school level. Vocational schools pay more attention to skills training, and after passing the skills examination, they can obtain the nationally recognized vocational qualification certificate and technical secondary school education. Technical school belongs to secondary vocational school, which is a kind of academic education and focuses on cultivating students' practical operation ability.

Teaching content difference

The teaching content of technical secondary schools and vocational schools pays more attention to theoretical study, which is similar to the subject setting of universities. The academic system is generally three years, so it is more convenient for vocational school students to take the college entrance examination. Technical schools pay more attention to the cultivation of hands-on operation ability. Students usually study in school for two years, and in the third year, they are arranged to practice in enterprises.

Similarities and differences in education level

Although secondary schools, vocational schools and technical schools have the same educational level, they all belong to the category of secondary education. However, their management departments are different. Technical secondary schools and vocational schools are under the jurisdiction of the Education Commission, and technical schools are under the jurisdiction of the Labor Bureau. In addition, students from vocational schools can take the college entrance examination to enter higher vocational colleges, while students from technical secondary schools cannot take the college entrance examination.