Napoleon created the state-run secondary-school system known as the lycées in 1802.
The law of 1 May 1802 established lycées as public secondary schools maintained and supervised by the state. They were designed to educate boys in subjects including classical languages, literature, mathematics, science, and moral philosophy, while also preparing talented students for military and administrative careers.
The reform followed the disruption of French education during the Revolution and replaced or reorganized many earlier central schools. Napoleon wanted education to produce disciplined citizens and capable officials, while strengthening government control over schooling. Lycées had strict routines, uniforms, and military-style organization.
The term can be confused with collèges, which referred to other secondary schools, or grandes écoles, specialized institutions for advanced professional training. The 1802 law also allowed municipal and private secondary schools, so lycées were the core of the public system rather than the only schools in France. In 1808, the Imperial University further centralized education.