Education System In United Kingdom (UK)
The United Kingdom has world's top universities and colleges because of its strongest, advanced and upgraded educational system. All rules and regulations regarding education are under the Department of education and Department of business, advancement and aptitudes. Later on the implementation at regional level is the obligation of local authorities.
Across the UK, education system is consist on five stages which includes the age limits.
Early Education _ age 3-4
Primary_ age 4-11
Secondary _ age 11-18
Further Education (FE)_age 16-18
Higher Education (HE)_ age 18
Education is compulsory for all children between the age of 5 and 16. Further education is not compulsory which can be take at further education colleges and HEIs (Higher education Institutes). The fifth stage is higher education. Higher education is study beyond GCE A level and their equivalent which, for most full-time students, take place in universities and other HEIs and colleges.
Early Education
The pre-school education in the UK is for early childhood, which is also known as FS1 (Foundation Stage 1). All 3 to 4 year old children are entitled to 15 hours each week of free nursery education for 38 weeks to 570 hours of the year. This separation of education for children makes it more specialize according to their needs.
Primary
After early education the nest step ahead is primary level which is likewise called Elementary education. Students are taught here at this level with curriculum specified by local GOVT. Here it is divided in further categories according to age.
key stage 1 (age 5-7)
key stage 2 (age 7-11)
After completing 6 year of primary education students are required to pass out the national teat of reading and mathematics which is also called SAT. The major goals of primary education are achieving basic literacy and numeracy amongst all pupils and establishment foundations in science, mathematics and other subjects.
Secondary Education
Secondary education in the UK normally start for most students ate the age of 11 year old. It is 6 year education which is the second level of specialized study after primary education level. For International students coming into the for secondary school, it is common to either enter at the age of 11 or wait until the age of 13. From the age of 11-14, students will study a board range of subjects such as Music, Maths, Science, English, etc. When you reach 14, you generally enter your first year of a 2 year process known as your GCSE. GCSEs are a set of exams that test your knowledge ans skills.
Further Education
When students reach the age of 16 and have complete their GCSE's they have a new option to choose from:
Find work
Academic Qualifications
Vocational Qualifications
If students opt for carrying on with their education this will take two forms, either by pursuing further academics qualifications or by following a more vocational pathway.
Higher Education
As the name and age limit shows that this level consist of education of universities and colleges depending upon the student's selected fields and career. Higher Education is defined as courses that are of a standard is higher than GCSE A level, the Higher Grade of the SCE/National Qualification, GNVQ/NQV level 3 or the Edexcel or SQA National Certificate/Diploma.
There are main levels of Higher Education course:
1. Postgraduate level courses leading to Higher degrees, diplomas and certificate which require a first degrees as entry qualification.
2. Undergraduate level courses, at this level main qualification offered are Bachelor's or undergraduate degrees, foundation degrees, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Higher National Diploma (HND).
There are main levels of Higher Education course:
1. Postgraduate level courses leading to Higher degrees, diplomas and certificate which require a first degrees as entry qualification.
2. Undergraduate level courses, at this level main qualification offered are Bachelor's or undergraduate degrees, foundation degrees, Diploma of Higher Education, Certificate of Higher Education, Higher National Diploma (HND).