British & US Culture and Society

UK Educational System

Pr. El Bakkali
SIII- Session IV
Oct ‘22
 Introduction

• The British education system offers a variety of study opportunities.

• With more than 100 universities included in the National
Ranking with hundreds of degree programs for students from the
UK and around the world, there is no shortage of higher education
options.
• In the UK about one-third of all students go on to some form of
higher education and this number is well over 50% for students
from Scotland.
• This makes competition for schools very fierce and so it is advised to
apply early for courses.
 Higher education

• It is the third level of the British education system after high school. It
takes place at Universities and Further Education Colleges and
normally includes Undergraduate (Foundation Year, Bachelor of Arts,
Bachelor of Science and Top Up ) and Postgraduate study (Master of
Arts, Master of Science, PhD, PGCE).

• Around 30% of the 18 to 19-year-olds enter full-time higher

education. The formal entry requirements to most degree courses are
two A-levels at grade E or above. In practice, most offers of places
require qualifications in excess of this.
 SECONDARY EDUCATION

• According to the British education system, children in England go

through 2 separate stages of education.
• They begin with Primary Education at the age of five (5 years old)
and this usually lasts until they are eleven (11 years old).
• Then they move to Secondary School, where they stay until they
reach sixteen, seventeen, and eighteen years of age (16, 17, 18 years
old).
• The main categories of school are State Schools (Local authority-
maintained schools) that are Free to all children between the ages of 5
- 16 and Independent schools (Private or Public Schools) where
parents pay for their children's education.
 State schools
• In the UK 93% of the children in England and Wales go to "state schools". State
schools are non fee-paying, funded from taxes, and most are organized by Local
Authorities (LA).

• Parents are expected to make sure that their child has a pen, pencil, ruler etc. but
the cost of other more specialized equipment, books, examination fees are covered
by the school.

• Parents are, however, expected to pay for their child's school uniform and items
of sportswear. Charges may also be made for music lessons and for board and
lodgings on residential trips.

• Schools may ask for voluntary contributions for school time activities - but no
pupil may be left out of an activity if their parents or guardian cannot or do
 Secondary schools (11 - 16-year-olds)

• Most children transfer at the age of 11 - usually to their nearest secondary school, though the
law allows parents in England and Wales to express preferences for other schools too. A place
has to be offered at the parents' preferred school unless the school has more applicants than
places; in that case, it will admit the children who have the highest priority under its published
admission arrangements which can vary a little in different places. Most secondary schools cater
to both sexes. They tend to be much larger than primary schools.

• Comprehensive schools: Nearly 88% of secondary school pupils in England go

to comprehensive schools, as do all pupils in Wales. These take children of all abilities and
provide a wide range of secondary education for all or most of the children in a district from 11
to 16 or 18.
• Grammar Schools are selective, they offer academically oriented general education. Entrance
is based on a test of ability, usually at 11. Grammar schools are single sexed schools i.e.
children either go to a Boys Grammar School or a Girls Grammar School. There are
grammar schools in Northern Ireland and some parts of England.
 Independent Schools

• Independent Schools, known as private/public schools, are part of the

British education system. 7% of the children in England go to independent
schools. Parents pay for their children to attend these schools. The most
famous public schools are Eton, Harrow, and Winchester.

• Prep Schools: A preparatory school is a school to prepare pupils to go to

a public school.
• Public/Private Schools: A public school is an independent secondary school.
Public schools in England are not run by the government. The entrance
exams used by most public schools are known as Common Entrance
exams and are taken at the age of 11 (girls) or 13 (boys).
 Levels of education and Professional Certificates

• In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, there are 8 Levels of education after Secondary
school– as well as an Entry Level, to help you begin studying or pursue a higher degree. These
are set out by something known as the RQF (Regulated Qualifications Framework).

• All Levels are suitable also for foreign students, living in the UK or Migrant Workers that
left their own countries without achieving a final Certificate of General Secondary
Education of want to pursue British Higher Education.
• Entry Level is the most basic form of qualification and usually provides an
introduction into education. They aren’t generally compulsory. Entry level
qualifications are available three different sub-categories, which progressively get
more difficult: entry levels 1, 2 and 3. The Entry Level is perfect for Anyone
looking to learn a new subject or language, as well as those looking to enter
formal education.
 LEVELS

• Level 1 (often achieved in Years/Class 10 and 11 of Secondary school) is the first formal rung on the
numbered system of qualifications. This level is perfect for students aged 15-16, or anyone looking
to further their education. You won’t necessarily have to complete an entry level qualification to
move onto Level 1.

• Level 2 is the next step up from Level 1 (also often achieved in Years 10 and 11of SE). It is perfect
for those aged 15-16, or anyone looking to further their education. Because of the high standard of
their grades, Level 2 learners will usually progress to Level 3 professional qualifications.

• Level 3 generally shows greater knowledge in a subject (often achieved in Years 12 and 13 of SE) or
in centres for further education. It isperfect for those who are looking to continue their education
at a University or a College, or who want to specialise in a particular subject.

• Level 4 is indicative of a greater understanding and a higher level of learning than that gained
through core modules at the secondary education level. Level 4 acts as the bridge between level 3
and 5, and can help people progress to the next stage of education when they might not have been
able to with their previous qualifications.
 LEVELS

• Level 5 demonstrates knowledge of a subject which goes beyond what was taught during
secondary education. After achieving a Level 5 certificate students can proceed in a Top Up course
at a University or a college for a year and get a Bachelor Degree. It is perfect for anyone looking to
move on to university, or other forms of higher education.

• Level 6 refers to qualifications gained at degree level, indicating the bearer has graduated from a
centre for further education. It is perfect for anyone who wants to take their knowledge of a
subject past secondary education level – whether that’s to gain a degree of a higher level NVQ or
certificate. Also the first step for those looking to pursue a master’s.

• Level 7 refers to a level of education equivalent to a master’s degree and is generally attained in a
centre for further education. It is perfect for anyone looking for a qualification which validates
knowledge beyond degree level. After Level 7, there’s only one more level – a doctorate (PhD) or its
equivalent.

• Level 8 refers to a doctorate level of education, often known as a PhD. Level 8 is perfect for anyone
looking to achieve the highest formal level of education possible in England, Wales and Northern
Ireland – and/or become a fully qualified Doctor.
 References
• Andrew Marr. (2009). A History of Modern Britain. 3rd edition. Pan Macmillan
• Becker, K. G., Finnerty, J. E., & Friedman, J. (1995). Economic news and equity
market linkages between the US and UK. Journal of Banking & Finance, 19(7),
1191-1210.
• Jones, B., & Norton, P. (2014). Politics Uk. Routledge.
• McGrattan, E. R., & Prescott, E. C. (2005). Taxes, Regulations, and the Value of
US and UK Corporations. The Review of Economic Studies, 72(3), 767-796.
• Panagia, D. (2009). The political life of sensation. Duke University Press.
• Peter Bromhead.(1988). Life In Modern America. Longman.
• Watts, D. (2013). Understanding US/UK government and politics: A comparative
guide. In Understanding US/UK government and politics. Manchester University
Press.