British education system

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.

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

Key Stage 2: 7 to 11 years old
Key Stage 3: 11 to 14 years old
 Key Stage 4: 14 to 16 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 the 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 upon 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.

Intensive 1 year GCSE

Some schools offer a 1 Year GCSE programme in Year 11 for international students seeking a
school education in the UK. These intensive, one year courses, are available for students aged
15 plus, with the appropriate academic level from their own country. Fewer subjects are studied
(maximum 6).

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). The IB programme also includes
a compulsory Core programme consisting of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE)
and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).

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.

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.

Bright World has partnerships with a number of colleges and Pathway providers and can help
place students into Foundation and Diploma courses in London and across the UK.

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, for example an MA - Master of Arts and an MEng - Master of Engineering.
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
Bright World works almost exclusively with privately funded schools and colleges. 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. The excellent facilities help make living and learning a
great experience and pupils will will improve their English skills while they study.

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. It it is
still used today and is the cornerstone of an 'Oxbridge' education. A tutorial is a small class of
only a few students, in which the tutor (a lecturer or other academic faculty member) gives
individual attention to the students.
 state boarding schools

A state boarding school is one where you pay for boarding and the education is free. The
government pays for the education as it would at any other state school in England.

Admission to state boarding schools in the UK is limited to children who are nationals of the UK
and are eligible to hold a full UK passport, or those who are nationals of other European Union
countries or those who have the right of residence in the UK. Please note that the holding of a
BN(O) passport does not make the child eligible for a state boarding school in the UK.

F E Colleges

An FE college is an institution that provides education for those above school age (age 16).
There are many types of FE colleges including, sixth form colleges, specialist colleges and adult
education institutes. FE Colleges are state run and as such those members of the EU joining can
benefit from free education. There is also a competitive fee structure available for non-EU
international students.

pathway courses at university

If you need to improve your English language or study skills before attending a UK university,
pathway providers offer unique foundation courses which often lead to direct degree-level entry
upon completion. There are several private companies who operate Foundation and Diploma
programmes on the campuses of UK universities. Often these courses offer accelerated access
to undergraduate degrees.

universities

The UK is one of the world's most popular destination for students from overseas. In fact, more
than 400,000 international students enrol each year.International students considering an
education in the UK have a choice of over 140 universities and higher education institutions,
each offering a great range of tertiary qualifications that will be recognised the world over.
Students join a 3 year undergraduate programme or a 1 year postgraduate course.

UK university placement
For expert advice on UK and US university entry, Bright World has teamed up with Education
Advisers Ltd, whose experienced consultants offer a full range of Higher Education services
for international students. These range from complimentary advice on the best University
Foundation courses, to bespoke Oxbridge and Medical School coaching and mentorship
programmes. You can visit their websites at www.universityadvice.co.uk or www.best-
schools.co.uk or call +44 1622 813870 for further information.

guardianship and school placement advice

boarding school guardianship

If your child is attending a boarding school you will need to nominate a UK

guardian. Bright World can help you with this service.
 university guardianship

If you are under 18 when you start university you will need to nominate a UK-
based adult or guardian. Bright World has a programme especially for you.

boarding school placement

If you are looking for a place at a UK boarding school Bright World can help
you.

enquire today

Bright World UK schools placement service

Enquire today and receive our free Guide to British Education

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