Education System in UK – What is it?

It is true that education is the soul of the society. It is something that requires continuous evolution and changes. It is true that by teaching the methods of the 19th century, we cannot hope to prepare the students for the 21st century. Well, it is rightly said that change is all that is permanent. The education system is an elaborate filter, starting with the early childhood education to the schooling and then the degree awarding college education, and it goes on. The education system differs from place to place and country to country. About the education system in the UK, it is still a devolved matter with each country following their own education system. Each of the system works under different government authorities.

The UK government is directly responsible for England, the Scottish Government for Scotland, the Welsh government for the Wales and the Northern Ireland Executive is responsible for the Ireland education system. In a general perspective, the education system in the United Kingdom can be divided into five stages. The Early Years Foundation Stage or the EYFS is applicable for children aged five and below, and the national curriculum is for children above five years. While it is not compulsory for the children to attend the EYFS, it is legally mandatory for the children to attend the primary and secondary school education which runs from about five years until the student turns 16. However, this full-time education need not be done in the schools, and a majority of parents choose to home-educate.

The education system in the UK is versatile. The primary education in the UK begins at the age of five and continue until eleven years. The primary education comprises of key stage 1, from 5 years to 7 years (Infants) and key stage 2, from seven years to elven years (juniors). The students are evaluated at the end of each stage. The secondary education begins at the age of eleven and continues until the student is 16. While education is compulsory until 18, schooling is a must only until 16. The secondary school comprises of key stages 3 and 4. After secondary education students can take the next step to take the most important assessment-General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).

Study abroad in the UK to be taught by world’s experts and teachers. Once the students complete their GCSE, they can choose to go onto further education and then to higher education. Students who are interested in going to college or university must complete further education. International students are also welcome to take the UK higher education if they have completed their home country’s equivalent to the UK’s further education. Post the age 16 the education can take any form like academic, vocational or the like leading to the A level qualifications. The students can take their A Levels, BTechs or other such qualifications. Higher education often begins with the three-year bachelor’s degree. Postgraduate degrees include master’s degree either taught or by research and doctoral level research degrees that usually take at least three years.