The baccalauréat , often known in France colloquially as le bac, is an academic qualification which French students take at the end of high school. It was introduced by Napoleon I in 1808. It is the main diploma required to pursue university studies. There is also the European Baccalaureate which students take at the end of the European School education. It confirms a rounded secondary education, gives access to a wide range of university education and differs from English A-levels and Scottish Highers in that it cannot be obtained in single subjects.