UK Education System: Types of Schools, Educational Stages and more

The United Kingdom Educational System has an excellent international prestige, it provides the student with the necessary tools to develop their capacity, enhancing their skills and promoting their creativity.

Characteristics of the UK Education System

The quality of educational institutes in the UK is extraordinary, they have an impeccable tradition that focuses on training students with essential skills and knowledge for a successful future.

To support the student in their training process, the Educational System has proven stimulus techniques so that they can fully use their ingenuity in acquiring knowledge.

An important aspect is that education focuses on giving students effective tools to stimulate the development of their personality, competitive spirit and personal improvement.

Class groups with a small number of students is one of the most notable differences in the UK Educational System compared to systems in other countries.

In England, classrooms usually have a maximum of 10 students. This allows each student to participate and interact more easily with their peers and also to have personalized attention.

The environment of educational institutes in the United Kingdom is multicultural, students are given a safe and stable place, which encourages them to give the best of themselves, to face the challenges of a demanding quality education.

Types of Schools

In the United Kingdom Educational System there are two types of schools: public (State Schools) and private (Independent Schools or Public Schools).

Private institutes make available to the student more hours of classes, intensive courses and longer vacations than those of public schools. Although in these educational centers it is usually more expensive, it is in high demand, since it offers an education in line with the demands of today.

Wearing the uniform is mandatory in most schools, as is attending classes. If an absence is not properly justified, it can lead to fines for parents or guardians.

In all educational institutions, the compulsory subjects are English, mathematics and science (Core subjects), they are the central axis of education.

In addition to the Core subjects, the student can choose the subjects that will complete their school year (foundation subjects), among them are: design and technology, history, geography, communication and computer technology, art and design, foreign language, physical education and music .

Educational Stages

In the UK education is compulsory for children aged 5 and up to 18 years.

Up to 7 years old, students go to school only during the day, after this age they can enter a boarding school, which is a custom rooted in this educational system.

Regarding the stages of education, children from 3 to 4 years old start in Preschool, which is not compulsory. Then there is the primary school attended by children between the ages of 5 and up, to end with the secondary school that usually ends at 16 years of age.

Most of the schools maintain a varied offer of complementary study activities, such as theater, music, art, photography and public speaking.

Complementary education is a stage that young people can access from the age of 16, basically it consists of two options, the Futher Education and the Sixth form.

With the Futher Education the student obtains degrees such as BTECs Council for Business and Technology Education and NVQs Professional Training Techniques.

In the Sixth Form, students acquire skills to complete their university studies, after 2 years and if they pass the corresponding tests they can have direct access to higher education institutions.

Higher education is second to none. The quality of educational institutions at this stage is magnificent. In fact, this attracts students from all over the world who compete by doing their best for the possibility of pursuing their university degree in the UK.