This research project used Basic Education Census longitudinal data for analyzing the characteristics of the 2008-2009 8th grade class in its transition to secondary education. It found statistical significant association, on the one hand, among being male, enrolment in public school, residence in North-Northeastern Brazil and age/grade distortion and, on the other hand, no enrolment in secondary school. The same variables had impact on failure in the 8th grade, confirming obstacles to finish fundamental education, in contrast to almost universal access, as found by cross-sectional research projects. The follow-up of this cohort in 2009 detected the same significant variables, in particular age/grade distortion.
longitudinal data; student follow-up; fundamental education; secondary education; school failure