UK Education System: A useful guide for international students (and not only!)

Each country has its own education system that may differ from the standard practices in other parts of the world. For example, the United Kingdom is known for its quality of education. However, its system of education may be perplexing to grasp. Generally, there are 4 main stages of education in the UK: primary, secondary, further, and higher education. Let’s dive in and learn more about each one of them in detail.

Key Education Stages in the UK

The United Kingdom has a reputation for delivering academic excellence. However, how is this success achieved? It may well be due to various factors, and a strict, well-planned system is one of them. The key stages of the UK education system can be broken down into the following:

  • Key Stage 1: for students 5 to 7 years old
  • Key Stage 2: for students 7 to 11 years old
  • Key Stage 3: for students 11 to 14 years old
  • Key Stage 4 (GCSE): for students 14 to 16 years old

The first 2 stages form primary education. The following stages 3 and 4 are part of the secondary education school system.

How Does the UK Education Process Look Like?

A relevant examination should be taken after each key stage to grade the students and assess their knowledge and progress. However, at key stage 1, 2 and 3 these assessments are usually internal. Once a pupil reaches the end of key stage 4, they face their first public examinations (real exams so to speak!). These exams are called GCSEs, or General Certificate of Secondary Education. With the grades obtained for GCSE level, students are able to progress to further education (A-level or equivalent).

UK Primary Education Overview

Primary and secondary education is an obligatory step all students in the UK should take. However, after the completion of secondary education and once a person reaches the age of 16, the choice of whether to continue with further education study is optional and depends on the student’s academic or career aspirations. Primary school is for pupils aged 5 to 11 years old.

UK Secondary Education Overview

Secondary education (key stage 3 and 4 of the school curriculum) is for students aged 11 and 16 – where students take their first public examinations and determine whether to continue with further education (A-Levels) or move to vocational training.

Quite often, apart from compulsory subjects such as English and Maths, students are given an option to choose their other subjects for GCSEs. This is the first time when pupils are given a freedom to partially determine their academic curriculum and move into a discipline which is more akin to their interests (e.g. Computer Science, Art, etc). The primary role of the secondary school is to prepare all its students to pass their GCSE exams.

UK Further Education Overview (A-Level or equivalent)

Once the GCSEs are successfully passed, each student can decide on their further education or career path. Students can either choose to continue with further education (at A-Level for instance) or enter a vocational course. If the student chooses to continue with further education with a view to enter higher education (a university) they would be looking to spend another 2 years completing an A-Level programme. A-Level programme provides an in-depth study of 3 to 4 subjects closely related to an area or discipline the student wishes to pursue for their higher education. It’s important to remember that students can’t enter a university without making their way through the further education branch (predominantly A-Levels). A-Levels are usually taken by students aged 16 and 18 – there are of course deviations from the standard practice if a student is retaking their course or attempting a fast-track course. You can read more about bespoke educational provision.

UK Higher Education Overview (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctorate and/or professional qualifications)

And finally, if you are persistent enough to finish all the previous stages, the doors to higher education (a university!) are open. With the higher education, there are 2 main levels you progress through, starting from the undergraduate and moving up the ladder to postgraduate or professional qualifications:

  • Undergraduate education. Here you can get first degrees, together with intercalated degrees.
  • Postgraduate education. This leads to higher degrees and diplomates: Masters (research and taught), postgraduate professional qualifications such as PGCE, LPC, BPTC which require a first degree as an entry qualification. And subsequently Doctorate degree (DPhil, PhD).
  • Other undergraduate programmes. These include various types of diplomas and courses if you need them to narrow down your educational path.

This is a very general overview and students are encouraged to do their own research depending on the level/education stage they are currently at.

However, if you are at your secondary education level and are looking for a GCSE or A-Level college, you can contact us for a personal consultation or to book a visit: https://cherwellco-59r2e.sites.urbanelement.com/contact-us