The British Education System: From Primary School to University

Structure of compulsory education

Education is compulsory in Britain from ages 5 to 16 and is divided into primary school and secondary school. Primary school is divided into infant school, for children aged 5 to 7, and junior school, for children aged 7 to 11. In the first years of primary schools pupils learn the basics of reading and writing and also have lots of time set aside for playing and doing creative activities. In the later years of primary school a wider range of subjects are studied including Mathematics, English, Music, P.E., Geography and History. At the end of primary school come the S.A.T.S (national assessment tests) which are taken by all pupils. However it is not necessary to pass these in order to get into secondary school and when pupils are 11 year old they pass directly to secondary school.

Secondary schools and selectivity

The majority of secondary schools are comprehensive, which means they are not selective and offer courses for all abilities. Grammar schools on the other hand are selective and pupils must have a high level of ability. They provide a more traditional literary and scientific education.

The core subjects studied at secondary school are English, Mathematics and Science along with other important subjects such as Technology, Computer Science, a foreign language, History, Geography and Citizenship. At the age of 16 after 5 years of secondary school, students take their GCSE exams (General Certificate of Secondary Education).

Post-GCSE pathways

After GCSE pupils can choose to get a full-time job or go on to further education. If they wish to continue their tudies they must do two years at college and take A-Level Examinations in three or four subjects. Following this they can progress to university.