summary The article examines issues pertaining to the training of the ‘second degree’ in France—i.e. those who teach Secondary pupils aged 11 to 18. The different categories of suck teachers, and the different forms of training received, are identified, and the article focuses specifically on the situation of lycee (upper‐Secondary) teachers. Historically, the element of pedagogy has been undervalued in this area. In‐service education is very important. Many courses are provided, although Secondary teachers do not have statutory rights to INSET release. Recent examination of training for this sector has revealed a number of weaknesses, among them a tendency to compartmentalisation and the fact that university trainers themselves lack pedagogic background. The de Peretti Report is referred to. The article concludes with a close examination of aspects of the theory‐practice issue, based on the writer's extensive experience.