The British Education System

Contents Academic year Key Stage exams Public schools Nurseries Primary education Grammar schools Eton Secondary education Sixth form College Tertiary education Non-degree courses Recent issues Information Tips

The British academic year Term starts on September 1st and ends ~July 20th. Each term is about 12 weeks, with 1 week off. Christmas and Easter are 2 weeks off. Summer holidays is about 4 to 5 weeks. Half-term Half-term Half-term Start Christmas Easter End

Key Stage Assessments Measurement of subject knowledge, skills and understanding. Split into 8 different levels for KS1, 2 and 3. Compares a child’s progress against the expected progress for that age.

Public schools Independent from government financing and controls. Mainly for the elite of politics, armed forces or colonial government. In 2009, ￡16,000 to ￡ 30,000 per annum for full boarding status.

The early years: nurseries Fully funded by the government. Generally starts at 3 years old. Lasts for 4 or 5 terms. Aims to teach the 3 R’s through educational fun and play. Private nurseries

Primary education Starts at Year 1, age 5. Ends at Year 6, age 11. Key Stage 1 (KS1) at Year 2: English, maths and science. KS2 at Year 6: English, maths, and science

Grammar schools and 11+ exams Entrance exams for grammar schools. Dominates school leagues for performance. Most are funded by the government but remaining are fee-paying schools. Very strict, conservative and traditional. From early 6th century, taught Latin mainly and now everything. Heavily over-subscribed.

Eton: an example Founded in 1440 by King Henry VI. As famous as Oxbridge. School for the elite and upper class. Most Etonians go on to powerful positions in society: political, military, government. Highly stereotypical.

Secondary education Starts at Year 7, age 11. Ends at Year 11, age 16. KS3 at Year 9, also known as SATs: 11 main subjects. GCSE examinations at Year 11: 11 main subjects. Entry for sixth form or college.

Sixth form Sixth form: Year 12 and 13 at the same secondary school. Often same code of conduct and uniform as secondary school. Study 3 to 6 subjects in lower sixth form. In upper sixth form, 3 best subjects.

College Two years: AS-level and A-level. Study 3 to 6 subjects in first year, 3 best in second. Informal environment compared to traditional sixth form. Encourages independent study.

Tertiary education University entrance is determined by UCAS: 30. Top programmes require the highest points. Today, entry often requires more than points. Students do not apply directly to the university, but through UCAS.

Tertiary education Traditional 3 years or sandwich programmes. Vocational courses and diplomas. A professional environment. Tuition: ￡ 3,290 a year vs. ￡ 6-20,000 for international students.

Non-degree tertiary education Higher National Diploma (HND): 2 years, work experience focused, credits transferable. Vocational courses: 1-2 years, way of entering degree-level courses slowly. International students can use these as replacement for A-levels to enter British universities.

Recent university issues Tuition fee hike for 2012, ￡7,000. Prestige universities demands no cap. Higher interest rate on student loans. Allows universities to be more competitive, both domestically and internationally. Addresses quality of degrees. 210,000 students were rejected for 2011.

Information for foreign students IELTS requirement: 6.0 or higher. N.H.S. applicable. Try: British Chevening Scholarships, British Council Fellowship Programme, Commonwealth Scholarship and Fellowship Programme… 1-2 year work permit available after completing university studies.

Tips for international students Be prepared to wait… a lot! Shops close at 6 p.m. Bring some instant food and common medicine. Smile + handshake = friend. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Develop a sense of humour.

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