The UK Education
System
Education
in England and Wales is divided into four sectors: Primary, Secondary, Further and Higher
education. Children must attend school for at least 11 years between the ages of 5 and 16.
During this time they will receive full-time education that is suited to their age,
ability, aptitude and special educational needs (SEN). If a child does not attend school,
the Local Education Authority (LEA) must be satisfied that other appropriate provision is
available.
Most pupils transfer from
primary to secondary school at the age of 11. There are, however, a few ‘middle
schools’ where pupils are transferred from primary school at the age of 8 or 9 and
then move on to secondary education at the age of 12 or 13. Most secondary schools are
comprehensive and do not operate a selective entrance system. In some parts of England, a
grammar school system also operates with a selective, ability-based entrance examination.
Under the National
Curriculum there are four Key Stages to education:
| Key Stage 1 |
5 to 7 year olds |
|
| Key Stage 2 |
7 to 11 year olds |
|
| Key Stage 3 |
11 to 14 year
olds |
|
| Key Stage 4 |
14 to 16 year
olds |
|
Pupils are assessed by
National Curriculum tests at the end of each Key Stage. Key Stage 4 is assessed by General
Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations after which pupils can decide
whether to continue with further education at school or a college or to begin employment.
Education in Scotland and
Northern Ireland is structured slightly differently to England and Wales.
