Education in The UK

Education in the UK
an introduction to the British education system

The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts, primary education, secondary education, further
education and higher education. Children in the UK have to legally attend primary and secondary education which runs
from about 5 years old until the student is 16 years old.
The education system in the UK is also split into "key stages" which breaks down as follows:
Key Stage 1: 5 to 7 years old

UK primary education
Primary school education begins in the UK at age 5 and continues until age 11, comprising key stages one and two under
the UK educational system.
Some primary schools are split up into Infant and Junior levels. These are usually separate schools on the same site. The
infant age range (Key Stage 1) is from age 5 to 7. The Junior age range (Key Stage 2) is from age 7 to 11.
The year groups at primary School level are:

Year R (Reception) (age 4 – 5)
Year 1 (age 5 - 6)
Year 2 (age 6 - 7) The year when SATs testing takes place for Key Stage 1
Year 3 (age 7 - 8)
Year 4 (age 8 - 9)
Year 5 (age 9 - 10)
Year 6 (age 10 - 11) The year when SATs testing takes place for Key Stage 2
secondary school - years 7 and 8

Years 7 and 8 are the first two years of secondary school education in the UK. In some independent schools they are
included in the Junior School, in others, they are part of the Senior School.
Under the UK school system, all students study English, Maths, Sciences, a Humanity and a Modern Language. Besides
these subjects, each school has a list with optional subjects (Art, Music, Drama, Latin, Sport Science, Design Technology,
Computer Science), and students may choose a few subjects that interest them.
In some schools, students sit Common Entrance Exam in year 7. There are 3 examination sessions, in November, January
and May/June. The transition from Junior to Senior School (from year 8 to year 9) may be conditioned by the Common
Entrance Exam results in those schools.
secondary school - year 9

Year 9 is a very important year in the British school system, as most of the students make the transition from Junior
School to Senior School. It is also a very good foundation for the GCSE programme and it is an entry point to all schools.
Students study English, Maths, Sciences, Humanity and Languages. In addition, students choose a few subjects from the
optional subject list offered by each school.
secondary education - years 10 and 11
GCSE programme
In the last two years of secondary education, which are called Year 10 and Year 11, starting at age 14, students prepare
for GCSE exams that are taken after two years (General Certificate of Secondary Education).
In the UK school system, during the GCSE programme, students study between 9 and 12 subjects. Some of them are
compulsory (English, Math, 2/3 Sciences, History/Geography, a Modern Language etc.), some are chosen by each
student according to their abilities and preferences. At the end of the 2 year GCSE programme, following the
examinations on each studied subject, students receive their GCSE Certificates.
The chosen subjects and the GCSE results are very important for their Further Studies (A-Level or IB) and for their
University admission.
IGCSE
The IGCSE programme (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) prepare international students for A-
Level and/or IB.
Students study between 5 and 7 subjects, English, Maths and Science being included. Each school has a list of available
subjects for IGCSE students. At the end of Year 11, students take exams in each studied subject and receive IGCSE
Certificates.
university preparation - years 12 and 13

A level study
In the UK school system, once a student reaches the age of 16, they can start a 2 year programme which leads to A
(Advanced) level examinations. Students specialise in 3 or 4 subjects, that are usually relevant to the degree subject they
wish to follow at university. A levels are state examinations and are recognised by all UK universities and by institutions
worldwide.
At the end of Year 13, following the examinations in each subject, the students receive A level Certificates.
International Baccalaureate (IB)

Those who would like to study more than 3-4 subjects, may continue their studies in a broader number of subjects with
the International Baccaularete Diploma Programme, offered by some independent schools.
During the IB, students study 6 subjects, 3 at higher level (HL) and 3 at standard level (SL). Each school offers different
subjects at different study levels (HL/SL).
Students take written examinations on each subject at the end of their courses.
further education - vocational courses

International students can either choose a state sixth form college or a college of further education as an alternative to
private education. Both offer GCSE and A level courses for students from the age of 16. Colleges of further education
also offer foundation and diploma courses. All colleges can prepare students for entry to a UK university or any
university in the world. Bright World works with a number of state colleges in the UK which provide a multitude of
vocational and academic courses. These courses can enable students to pursue their chosen career or to gain a place at
a university of their choice.
The British school system also extends to BTEC courses which are designed for students who would like to develop
practical knowledge and skills in a specific subject (Business, Psychology, Engineering, Sport, Art & Design) and find
traditional exams challenging. Focussing on practical, skills-based learning, the BTEC students are assessed during the
course. After each unit students are assessed through assignments, tasks or tests, and not at the end of the programme
as it happens with GCSE or A-Level students.
tutorial colleges
Tutorial Colleges start at age 15 and have a more flexible programme range, focussing on fast access to UK university.
Many of the independent private sixth form colleges in Oxford, Cambridge and London work on a 'tutorial system' and
are often referred to as 'tutorial colleges'. The tutorial system originates from Oxford and Cambridge Universities and is
a very highly regarded and much tested system.
university - foundation courses

From age 17, international students can opt to study one year foundation programmes, instead of A levels or IB. These
courses lead to private examinations that are an alternative to A levels. Foundation courses at colleges are recognised by
universities with whom they have partnerships.
Some universities also offer foundation courses that lead onto their own degree programmes.
university - undergraduate study

In the UK, a British bachelors degree normally takes three years to complete and most are awarded at honours level.
Examples of first degrees are: BA (Bachelor of Arts), BEng (Bachelor of Engineering), and BSc (Bachelor of Science).
State colleges offer some 2 year vocational diplomas that grant exemption from the first and sometimes second year of
a degree programme. Some private tutorial colleges offer a one year diploma programme which is equivalent to year 1
of university. Students taking 1 year diplomas are awarded second year entry at some universities.
university - postgraduate study

Postgraduate courses in the UK education system are very intensive. This means that the courses are usually much
shorter than in other countries. A master's degree typically takes 12 months to complete. An MBA (Master of Business
Administration) is a high profile Masters course which can take 2 years. Applicants will usually be high achieving with at
least 2 years managerial experience. A PhD research degree in the UK can take between 2 and 7 years.
boarding schools
A boarding school is a residential school where pupils live and study during the school year. There are approximately 500
boarding schools across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
UK boarding schools offer pupils an outstanding education, helping them to develop their skills and progress to
university. All UK boarding schools have to meet strict government standards on the quality of their teaching, facilities
and student care.
Many UK boarding schools combine beautiful, centuries-old buildings with a mix of modern classrooms and traditional
architecture.
Who has better education America or UK? - Based on national average statistic, most children educated in a British style
are a year or more ahead of their US counterparts in math and language.
Why is UK the best country for education?

With continuous on-going research and development conducted by professors and students in a wide range of areas,
UK's education is considered to be of highest quality. The degree from UK is held in high regard by employers all over the
world.
What are the disadvantages of studying in UK?

The strict education culture of the UK sometimes makes it tough for the students to adjust. The norms of the college are
really strict which is quite challenging for the students to cope with on an everyday basis.

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Education in the UK

an introduction to the British education system

Key Stage 1: 5 to 7 years old

The year groups at primary School level are:

secondary school - years 7 and 8

secondary school - year 9

university preparation - years 12 and 13

International Baccalaureate (IB)

further education - vocational courses

university - foundation courses

university - undergraduate study

university - postgraduate study

Why is UK the best country for education?

What are the disadvantages of studying in UK?

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