UK Education System - A Simple Guide

The UK education system is notoriously confusing, even for Brits who have supported multiple children from nursery up to university. However, it is well-regarded as one of the world’s leading education systems in terms of quality. If you’re hoping to relocate to the UK and are a little daunted by the prospect of trying to wrap your head around a completely new school system, don’t fear! We’ve created this super simple guide to give you a good understanding of the British education system. Now when you’re looking through our in-depth guides about places around the UK, you will be able to discern which places provide the best schooling for your children.

Now, let’s jump into the fun part!

The UK education system is split into four parts: primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education. Children living in the UK legally have to attend primary and secondary education, which runs from around 5-16 years old. The UK’s education system is also split into “key stages” (stay with us). These stages simply divide the national curriculum into four seamless sections. Students take standardised exams designed for each key stage to assess their progress.

Key Stage 1 (5-7 years old)

Key Stage 2 (7-11 years old)

Key Stage 3 (11-14 years old)

Key Stage 4 (14-16 years old)

Key stages 1 and 2 are usually undertaken at primary school, with 3 and 4 being completed at secondary school when the student reaches 11 years old.

The most important assessment occurs at the end of secondary education or key stage 4 at age 16 when students undertake their GCSEs or General Certificate of Secondary Education. Upon completion of their GCSEs, students can choose to pursue further education and then potentially higher education or go straight into the world of work.

Primary Education

In England and Wales, all children between the ages of 5 and 16 are in full time education. For children under 5, government-funded nurseries and pre-schools are widely available. Children finish primary school at the age of 11, going on to high school. All children in the UK between the ages of 5 and 16 are guaranteed a free place at a public school. Obviously, some schools are better than others, and you do have the option to put your child into a private school if you can afford it.

All parents must apply to the school when they wish to enrol their child. Applications are usually required to be submitted before mid-January.

Students will begin core subjects such as English, Maths, and Science, which they will be tested on at the end of the key stage via SATs (Standard Assessment Tests). They will also be introduced to a variety of non-assessed subjects such as geography, arts & crafts, history, and religious education.

Secondary Education

At 11 years old, students begin what is commonly known as high school. Until the age of 14, British students learn many subjects, including English, Maths, Science, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Design and Technology, History, Arts and Design, Geography, Modern Foreign Languages, Physical Education, and Music. Leadership, career education, sex education, and religious education can also be included in the education curriculum. Students begin studying for the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations at age 14 and take them at the end of their next school year at age 15. The GCSE is a single subject test set and marked by independent assessment boards. Students often take ten GCSE exams in a variety of subjects, including mathematics and English, which are mandatory. After these tests, students may choose to drop out of school or continue their education at a sixth form, college or technical college.

Preparation for University

At the age of 16, students will begin two years of study known as A-Levels at a sixth form or college, which are required for university admission in the UK. Students focus on three or

four subjects that are generally related to the course they wish to pursue at university. There are no compulsory subjects. At the end of the first year, students take AS-level tests. They then usually drop one of the four subjects and continue with three second-year courses, converting them into full A-Level qualifications at the end of the year via exams. A-Levels are state tests and are recognised by all British universities.

18+

Once a student has completed compulsory education along with their A-Levels, it is time to decide their future. All students in the UK need to apply to university via UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) if they wish to go. They can apply for five specific courses across multiple universities and will get accepted or rejected based on their A-Levels results, extracurricular activities, and personal statements. The next educational step involves three years of university education, known as the undergraduate degree program. Undergraduate degrees can be BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSc (Bachelor of Science), and BEng (Bachelor of Engineering). There are also other degree-level qualifications associated with specialties such as teaching and medicine. Upon completion of the undergraduate degree, the student can apply for a graduate program like a Masters degree or a PhD.

Accommodation fees aside, university tuition fees remain similar throughout England and Wales, from the very best universities to the worst. Scottish residents studying at a Scottish

university will not have to pay anything. Funding is available via the Student Loans Service for tuition, accommodation, and living expenses. Fees also differ for students who have been living in another country and have come to the UK to live and study. Expat students who have been living abroad but want to return to the UK for university will need to pay

international fees unless they have been living in the UK for 3 years before starting their degree, which grants them ‘home student’ status.

Types of schools

Schools in the UK come in many shapes and sizes, with multiple strictly defined types to choose between. Here is a breakdown of the main types of schools found in the UK.

State schools - These schools are the most common and are paid for by the government; that means no school fees. Generally speaking, state schools have to follow the national curriculum.

Comprehensive schools - A comprehensive school is the name given to a school which anyone can attend regardless of exam results and where everybody is taught together. They are normally operated by the local education authority, which will be a part of the local council in that area.

Academies - Academies are independent, state-funded schools that get funding directly from the government rather than through a local authority. Academies are free to follow their own curriculum, and most specialise in a specific subject area such as computing, maths or sport.

Faith schools - They must follow the national curriculum but have freedom over what they teach in religious studies. Their teaching is in line with their faith’s ethos, which can be an important consideration for parents.

Grammar schools - These are often prestigious state-funded schools run by councils, a trust, or a foundation body that select their students based on academic ability. Pupils usually sit an entrance exam at the age of 11, known as the 11-plus exam.

International schools - These schools promote an international education for usually international students, either by employing a curriculum such as the International Baccalaureate or by adhering to a national curriculum different from the UK’s.

Private or independent schools - These are schools that control their own finances and, thus, governance. They charge fees for attendance and don’t have to follow the national curriculum.

Sixth-form colleges - Students between 16 and 19 attend these colleges to undertake A-levels.

Special schools - These schools teach children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), for example, autistic spectrum disorders or hearing impairment.

Admissions

Unfortunately, the admissions process can often be stressful and throws another spanner into the works when trying to decide where to move to in the UK and where exactly to set up shop when there. For the majority of schools in the UK, the child will need to live in the school’s catchment area, which means providing proof of address when applying. Special requirements are taken into account, but this is the base entry requirement across school types throughout the UK. Certain grammar, private, comprehensive, and faith schools may have different criteria, such as academic ability (your child may be required to take an entry exam), specialist skill, or church-going experience.

Concierge

If you’re still a little bit overwhelmed after reading this and think you might need a helping hand from someone who knows the UK education system like the back of their hand, Whereshome can help.

We understand how competitive school places can be, especially for the well-regarded schools in the desirable areas our clients often relocate to.

To ensure your children hit the ground running in their new home, we’ll assist you with carefully selecting a school based on your children and their needs before expertly handling the arduous admissions process.