- Nursery: Nursery education is voluntary for children aged 2-4.
- Primary: Primary education is provided in schools from 5-11, with Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11).
- Secondary: Secondary education is compulsory from 11 to 16. Schools offer either a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) or an International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE).
- Sixth Form: Sixth Form is a two-year course for students aged 16 to 18. Students typically study three A-level subjects, which can be used to gain entry into university.
- Further Education: Further Education colleges offer a range of courses for students aged 16 to 18 who do not wish to enter university. These include vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, and A-level courses.
- Higher Education: Higher Education institutions include universities, colleges, and other institutions that offer degrees and other qualifications at the undergraduate and postgraduate level.
Curriculum
- The curriculum is set by the government and covers a range of subjects, including English, Maths, Science, History, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages, Art, Music, and PE.
- At Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16), students choose a range of subjects to study in addition to English, Maths, and Science.
- At A-level, students typically choose three subjects to study in depth.
Assessment
- Students are assessed at the end of each Key Stage and at the end of their GCSEs and A-levels.
- Tests and exams are used to assess students' progress and attainment.
- Teachers also use continuous assessment to monitor students' progress.
Schooling Options
- Parents can choose to send their children to state-funded schools or private schools.
- State-funded schools are free to attend, but private schools charge fees.
- There are also a number of specialist schools, grammar schools, and academies that offer different types of education.