Uk school guide

Schooling in the UK General Introduction This document provides an overview of schooling in the UK. Schooling Age

Early learning is available from the age of three, and it is especially helpful for the children of expat families, helping the children to integrate properly. It is not mandatory but highly recommended. Attending school is obligatory from the age of 5 to 16. While your child may arrive to the UK in the middle of school year or when the school year is already ended in your home location - the schooling obligation applies based on the UK schooling calendar. The school year runs from September until July each year – the exact start/end date will vary per school. Kindly consult with your relocation agent in order to ensure you remain compliant. Primary Education Primary schools are for children aged 4 to 11 years. The education levels or grades may also be referred to as Key Stage 1 (ages 4 to 7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7 to 11). The first class in primary school is usually called the Reception class, and each child automatically moves to the next higher class at the end of the school year. The subjects to be taught at primary schools are specified by the National Curriculum, which also sets out Standard Attainment Targets (SATs) to be reached. Pupils are tested on SATs at 7 and 11 years old, at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, in compulsory core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science. Other subjects, including History, Geography, Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education (PE) are also taught. Details of these can be found in the individual school prospectuses. For younger children, the subjects are often integrated into topics. Secondary Education Between the ages of 11 and 16, children attend Secondary school. Most of these schools must follow the National Curriculum and assessment of the children takes place at Key Stage 3 (age 14) and Key Stage 4 (age 16). Private schools and certain types of state schools, known as ‘Academies’, do not have to follow such a strict National Curriculum and can just use it as a guideline. The General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) is the principal means of assessment for 16-year old. Many subjects include written and practical course work in addition to examinations in each individual subject. These are the main examinations for students before deciding their next steps onto higher education, much like a high school diploma it marks the end of compulsory education in the UK. Many pupils remain at school after the minimum leaving age of 16. Education for 16 to 18 year olds is usually referred to as Sixth Form, and divided into two stages: Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth. In the Lower Sixth, students study for AS level exams, usually in 4 or 5 subjects, leading on to higher A level exams (advanced level) usually in 3 subjects in the Upper Sixth. The usual route to university and college is through the A level system and depends on the grades attained in these examinations.

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