All educational processes are continuous and dynamic by their nature due to constant changes in current demands of the societies to the content of education. All countries try to develop a unique educational system that is able to achieve comprehensive educational objectives. Under such conditions, the study of secondary education in France in the second half of the 19th – early 20th century is relevant for pedagogical science. The choice of this historical period is due to the significant rise of French schooling due to political, economic and cultural changes. The research methodology involved: bibliographic search, comparative analysis, systematization and theoretical generalization. The article analyses the peculiarities of the development of secondary education in France in the second half of the 19th – early 20th centuries). The analysis of educational reforms of the studied period is carried out. The main socio-economic and political factors influencing the state and functioning of secondary education in France are considered. Regularities of structuring curricula for secondary schools in France are singled out.