Professional development college in england. Secondary education in England. Preschool education system

Education system v Great Britain

In the UK, schooling is compulsory from the age of 5 to 16. Some may immediately argue that, they say, since 2015, education in the UK has become compulsory up to the age of 18. It's true! But for the last 3 years of study (15-18 years), young people have the right to study in other educational institutions, for example, in private Sixth Form colleges, colleges of further education, analogs of our vocational schools, or work as an apprentice under the supervision of an experienced master who has the right to train young specialists.

But back to the schoolchildren. Before the start of training, namely from the age of 2, children attend Nursery or Pre-preparatory School(analogue of our kindergartens). It can be either an independent educational institution or part of an elementary school. It is worth noting that it is precisely because the kindergarten can be part of the school that the legend arose that children in the UK go to school from the age of 2.

With the difficulties of understanding education systems in the UK we are facing from the very beginning. Despite the fact that the compulsory age for starting school is 5 years, children have the opportunity at 4 years old to enter a kindergarten called the Reception Year. Parents can use this opportunity at their own discretion. This is the first difference from our system. English parents who believe that their child is not mature enough can send him to school from the age of 5. In this case, he will begin his studies no longer with the Reception Year, but with the first grade (Year 1). In other words, such a child does not lag behind and does not outrun his peers. In our country, if the parents believe that the child is mature enough at 6 years old, then he goes to school with the 7-year-olds, and thus is one year ahead of his peers, but more on that later.

In the kindergarten, children are prepared in a playful and entertaining way for the beginning of schooling. This year does not count towards the general curriculum. But not everything is so simple. For the sake of fairness, it should be said that there are "difficulties" in the English system. Not all children have the opportunity to attend the Reception Year. In England, there is such a thing as "summer children", that is, children born between April 1 and August 31. They are considered "less ready" in relation to their peers born at the beginning of the year. That is why it is recommended for them to start their studies at the age of 5. According to the law, the parents of such children have the opportunity to apply for admission to kindergarten, but the final say rests with the school administration, which in most cases refuses to do so, motivating this decision by their unwillingness to have a "deliberately lagging" child in the classroom. Scandals often arise on this basis. Every now and then in the newspapers there are articles about how some parents file a complaint against the school authorities, refusing them to accept a "year old child" in kindergarten. Despite this, the issue still remains unresolved, since both sides are right in their own way. The school does not want to accept a child less mature than other students, as it may distract other children. It is difficult to doubt the consistency of this decision. But parents can also be understood. They are concerned that their child's peers, who are "lucky" to be born a few weeks, or even days earlier, will already start their studies, and next year, when their child goes to school, he will really lag behind those who by this time the preparatory year will have already ended.

However, the law is the law. And it says that the child is obliged to start school on September 1, following his fifth birthday. A child born between January 1 and April 1 has the opportunity to start school on September 1 following his or her fourth birthday.

School education in England is inextricably linked with the biological age of the child. Upon admission to school, or when changing educational institution, the class in which a child is admitted is determined by his age on September 1 of the year when he begins his studies. Sometimes it comes to an incident when a child born on September 2 has to go to school a year later or, in case of a change of school, a grade lower. The law exists, but not all schools apply it, no matter how certain "grief agents" convince you of this. Yes, indeed, the more prestigious and older the school, the more reverently this rule is followed in it. In my practice, there was a child born on September 2 who was refused admission to one of the schools on our list for this very reason, despite all the parents' attempts to "negotiate". At the same time, there are a lot of schools, sometimes no worse, which are more flexible in their approach to this issue. Here we should return to the previously mentioned feature of "our" education, to the possibility of sending a 6-year-old child to school together with 7-year-old children.

It is because of this that one of the main problems arises when transferring a child to a British school. As we have said, most English schools make decisions about enrollment in a particular class based on the biological age of the child. But in this case, it turns out that the child, despite the difference of 1 year, has already graduated from this year in his native school, and if we consider the situation in terms of the number of school years, such a child is actually "left for the second year."

I am sure that the absolute majority of parents do not even notice this, no one tells them about it, they were accepted into school and it is good. I had a chance to learn this lesson from my own bitter experience, when, after signing all the documents and transferring money, dad decided to count the number of school years, and came, to put it mildly, at a loss, realizing that his child was being left for the second year. Fortunately, the situation was resolved, and everyone was satisfied. By this I am trying to warn other parents who find themselves in a similar situation. Yes, indeed, most schools will not make exceptions for you and will insist on enrollment based on the biological age of the child. But there are schools that agree to "get into position" and accept such a child into the class above. Here everyone must decide for himself what is best. Insist on the sequence of classes, sometimes sacrificing the level of the school, or, taking advantage of the moment, to give the child the opportunity to unlearn a year lower, to tighten up the language, to join the team and continue learning with their peers. My task is to convey to you that such a possibility exists, no matter how your agent punches himself in the chest.

The academic year lasts from September to July. It is divided into three parts, trimesters: the fall trimester from September to Christmas (Christmas in the UK in December), the spring trimester from January to Easter, and the summer trimester from April to July. Each trimester lasts approximately 12 weeks, with half-term holidays lasting about a week each and held in October, February and May, respectively. Holidays between trimesters, Christmas and Easter, last about 2 weeks every and summer about 6-8 weeks.

Compulsory schooling consists of two levels: elementary or preparatory ( Preparatory Education) and secondary (Secondary Education ) education. Accordingly, Preparatory (abbreviated as Prep School) and Senior School. Primary School ends in Year 8 (in most public schools in Year 6). During this period, children take exams twice: at the end of the second (7 years) and sixth (11 years) years of study, respectively, Key Stage one and two ( Key Stage 1) (Key Stage 2 ). Children enrolled in the parallel American program graduate from Elementary School, and those enrolled in IB graduating from the course IBPYP ... Test results are recorded in a single national database of student performance.

Exams are taken in compulsory disciplines: English (English), Mathematics (Mathematics) and Natural Sciences (Science), a block of chemistry, physics and biology. Other subjects such as History, Geography, Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education (or PE for short) are also included in the program, but exams for these stages don't give up.

There is also the concept of "Primary Education", what does it mean? In the UK, there are two sectors of education, state-funded and private (independent or private). So "Primary Education" means the same initial stage of education in public education as "Preparatory Education" in private. Accordingly, "Pre-preparatory School" in private education means the same as "Pre-school" in public education. By the way, it should be noted that private schools in England are called Public Schools, which literally translates as Public Schools, which often confuses foreigners. You can familiarize yourself with this issue in more detail in our separate article (Public school).

After graduating from Primary School, at the age of 13, students move to Senior School. In the public sector, this school is sometimes called the Secondary School. The confusion here arises precisely because of the inaccurate translation. Literally Secondary means "Second". In the Russian translation, it is called the Middle. Therefore, it turns out that secondary and second schools are one and the same. During the training, students also take exams at the Key Stage 3 (Year 9, 14 years old) and Key Stage 4 (Year 11, 16 years old).

The fourth stage, according to the traditional British program, is also called GCSE. In parallel programs, it is called IGCSE, IBMYP or High School Diploma. This stage is the final one in the school curriculum; children complete it at the age of 16.

Having reached the age of 16, most students, subject to successful completion of the GCSE exams, enter the Sixth Form, that is, a two-year university preparation program. It can be a traditional A-level or alternative IB Diploma, IBCC, Pre-U or American Advanced Placement. At the end of the 2nd year of study, they take exams, according to the results of which they are enrolled in the university. Already at this stage, the student must decide on his future profession and choose exactly those subjects that are necessary for entering the corresponding faculty of the university.

It is at this stage, at the age of 16, that the largest number of foreign students come to study in England. As for those who continued to receive education in their country and arrived a little later, at the age of 18, they are offered two ways to choose from. First: enroll in a one-year, compressed A-level course, which is mandatory for English students (some colleges accept children under 19), or for a one-year Foundation Program (Foundation UK) course, created specifically for foreign students wishing to study at one of the British universities.

The greatest advantage of the British education system is its consistency, interaction and interchangeability of different directions. Regardless of which path the student continues after 16 years of age, he will still be able to get a higher education. Let me explain what I mean. At the age of 16, young people have a wide range of opportunities. Despite the fact that they are required to continue their studies for another 2 years, they can either continue to move along the academic path (A-level or alternative programs), combine theoretical knowledge with practical skills (BTEC) or get a working specialty (NVQ or Apprenticeship ). What is meant by the fact that all roads lead to higher education. The education system is built in such a way that a clear algorithm is provided for each of the areas of what needs to be done if the student changes his mind and decides to get a higher education. Let's leave the obvious, academic path for now, and consider others, for example, BTEC and NVQ. In order not to go into details BTEC and NVQ, these are analogs of diplomas of "our" specialized schools (where children simultaneously receive a specialty) and vocational schools. If the example with specialized schools is not very eloquent, since there are still some differences, then the example with vocational schools speaks for itself. Guys who are bored or disliked to study, who have ended up in vocational schools, in the absolute majority "shine" the road to "working days", since it is unlikely that they will be able to enter the university with such a diploma. In the UK, the opposite is true. The system is designed in such a way that a young person who managed to try "working life" during his studies, having received the NVQ certificate, can enter the university on its basis. Yes, you may have to start with a special preparatory course and choose not from the best universities, but this is better than nothing. Moreover, those who retained the desire to start working as soon as possible during further education, worked for several years and only then realized that it is better to get a higher education, they have the opportunity to find their old NVQ diploma and enter the university a few years later. ... Many people studied with me at the university, who managed to work for several years after school, realized that they needed to study, and entered the university.

After successfully completing one of the university preparation programs or after obtaining a working degree, students of their choice submit documents to the university. There is even an opportunity to “send” documents to several universities you like in order to increase your chances of success. Each faculty has its own requirements for applicants. A mandatory necessity is a list of major subjects and academic performance in them, therefore, the right choice and diligence during the Sixth Form is simply necessary.

After 3 years of study at the university, students receive a Bachelor Degree. Further education is called Postgraduate Study, the first stage of which is a master's degree. At this stage, many foreigners come to the UK. The best way for them will be the Master's Program ( ).

For a better understanding, I suggest you look at the diagram of possible training options in the appendix to this article.

We sincerely hope that our article will help you deal with the incomprehensibleeducation system in the UK... Some private schools, following centuries-old traditions, offer their own education system and age limits for each stage of education. It is better to find out more about this before you apply.

Our advice! The child's education should be planned in advance, starting from the opposite. That is, first decide in which country and in which university you "see" your child. Then determine the list of Sixth Form schools / colleges from which this institution is accepted, or take a closer look at the Further Education college option. For many, this has become an excellent alternative in terms of financial costs and assistance with the definition of a future profession. Next, you need to find secondary schools that prepare for admission to a specific Sixth Form or Further Education. Complete the plan by selecting Primary Schools, and we will help you with that!

24.04.2018

The modern education system in England is based on its own traditions of teaching the younger generation, which have been accumulating for centuries. It is not just that she earned the status of a reference. As already mentioned, many educational institutions in the UK are known for their centuries-old history and are famous for the amazing quality of teaching.

At the moment, the English education system includes four main stages:

• Primary education - from 5 to 11 years;
• Secondary - from 11 to 16 years old;
• After school - from 16 to 18 years old;
• Higher education - from the age of 18.

The main stages of education in England (based on public schools):

• children 5 - 11 years old attend primary school;
• children 11 - 16 years old go to secondary school;
• at the age of 16 - 18 they receive a complete secondary education;
• at 18 - 22 students receive a bachelor's degree.

Before going to school, the child undergoes a preschool preparation course (from 3 years old), during which the emphasis is on educational issues and developmental activities, the material is presented in a playful way. Knowledge at this stage is not overloaded. The basic principle is that everything has its time.
At the age of 5, all children, without exception, without exception begin their education in a mandatory manner, where they study until 11.

When moving to high school, exact sciences and additional lessons are added to the basic list of subjects: geography, history, the basics of religion, art, music, foreign languages.
At the age of 16, children graduate from high school. In order to receive a diploma of secondary education, you must pass the GCSE final exam. However, this diploma does not qualify for admission to higher education institutions.

To try your hand at admission to, you need to become the owner of the A-Level certificate (with a fairly high average score), which is issued upon completion of the course in schools preparing for universities - the so-called Six Form. Training here lasts two years, during this period there is a deep immersion in the study of 4-6 selected subjects. At the end, an exam is taken, according to the results of which an A-Level certificate is issued.

The academic year in English schools is divided into terms. Holidays in the middle of the school year twice, last two weeks, are timed to the Catholic holidays - Easter and Christmas, summer holidays - six weeks. There is a short seven-day break during each trimester.

Secondary (school) education in the UK is expected to:

• Transfer of cultural experience. Schools and other educational institutions should pass on to the new generation the cultural heritage, the wisdom of previous generations, which from time immemorial are recognized as valuable and are zealously guarded by the British.
• Socialization of the younger generation. Schools are guides to accepted behaviors and the values ​​behind them. Children are aware of the social roles that they have to play in society, in the professional sphere of activity, personal, family.
• Preparation for the profession. This refers to the knowledge and skills necessary for subsequent professional activities. This includes both the academic knowledge and the practical skills required to master a particular profession.

In England there are a lot of schools for children requiring a special approach. They are visited by children with mental or physical disabilities. The program in them is simpler and focused on the characteristics of the students. Here in the process learning psychologists and physiotherapists are sure to be involved.

Many parents have a cherished dream - to send their child to study at. Pupils here, in addition to a prestigious and high level of education, receive full support. The range of subjects studied in a private school is much wider than in a public one, and the teaching staff is highly qualified and an impressive material base.

Do not forget that the school education system in the UK is famous for the strictest discipline, so even in a private school, where tuition is paid and costs impressive money, do not expect concessions. Students may be dropped for poor academic performance and inappropriate behavior.

The modern system of higher education in England is distinguished by its democratic character. Universities have a wide selection of different courses, from which you can choose the one that suits you, and, if necessary, even change the list of selected subjects for study.

UK universities are divided into two types:

• Collegiate (consisting of colleges. For example, the universities of Cambridge and Oxford);
• Unitary (with faculties and departments in the form of subdivisions).

The British government has completely entrusted the formation of educational policy to higher educational institutions, the state only controls the quality of teaching.

Without exception, all students of English universities have access to libraries and scientific laboratories, equipped according to modern standards. Students have the opportunity to attend various electives. Educational programs allow in the learning process to receive not one, but two academic degrees in different directions.

Popular enough in the UK and. This format of training, as usual, takes place independently, but based on educational materials developed specifically for such students, as well as on periodic consultations with teachers online and by e-mail.

Historically, British education resembles a pyramid: in the early stages, training is carried out in a wide range of disciplines, later their circle is narrowed based on the choice of the students themselves, who at the age of 14 determine which exams they will take in the future.

UK education system.

In recent decades, education in the UK has become one of the highest priorities in public policy, regardless of which political forces are in power. Decision-making that determines the prospects for the development of the industry is carried out at the highest level in the hierarchical structure of the parliament and government.

The Education Act of 1944 was the first act of national importance, which, although it was mainly devoted to school education, largely streamlined the education system as a whole and determined its governing bodies. Then the adopted acts were revised and supplemented. But by the 60s, the need arose to revise and improve the quality of education, it also exists in modern England. Thus, the National Education Commission of Great Britain published a report in 1993 with the eloquent title “Learning to Succeed. A Radical View of Education Today and a Strategy for the Future ”, which provides recommendations on how to achieve positive changes in education.

They are formulated as the following goals:

· Reduction of the volume of compulsory education;

· Improvement of the system of professional development of teachers;

· Concentration of education management and training of teachers in the hands of one body;

· Increasing investment in education;

Expanding public participation in school activities

· primary education; for children under 11;

· secondary education; for children under 16;

· Higher or further education; for children over 16 years old.

Statistics.

There are about 30,000 public schools in England and Wales, attended by 8.5 million children.

There are only 2,741 schools in Scotland and 1,300 in Northern Ireland.

In England, about a million children under the age of four (about 50%) attend kindergarten before entering school, in Wales - more than 70%, in Scotland - 38, and in Northern Ireland - 15% of children.

More than half a million children study in private schools in Great Britain.

Preschool and secondary education.

The system of free general education for all children, regardless of social status, national origin, etc. operates throughout the country. There are municipal and private schools. In public schools, education is free, in private - paid. In the UK, about 50% of three to four year olds are brought up in kindergartens or so-called baby centers. In addition, many children attend preschool play groups run by volunteer organizations and parents. From the age of 5, compulsory education begins, and children go to school for toddlers.

Thus, the compulsory education system covers children and adolescents from 5 to 16 years old. The duration of the academic year is 38 weeks. The year is divided into trimesters, which are interspersed with vacations: summer (6 weeks), Christmas and Easter (2-3 weeks). In the middle of trimesters, a week break is provided. The school week is usually 5 days long. The school day lasts from 9.00 to 15.30. with a break for lunch and morning prayer. There is a minimum number of academic hours per week; schools have the discretion to increase the weekly workload at their discretion.

The first two stages (from 5 to 11 years old) cover primary education. Moreover, children are usually grouped by age class. All subjects are taught by one teacher. The lesson lasts from 15 to 45 minutes. After graduation, children do not take exams and do not receive graduation certificates. In elementary school, most of the time is devoted to learning English (40% of the study time), 15% is devoted to physical education, about 12% is manual labor and art, the rest of the hours are distributed between the lessons of arithmetic, history, geography, natural history and religion.

Regarding the UK secondary education system. Two main types of schools are distinguished in it: grammatical and combined (besides them, technical and modern secondary schools also function). The most widespread type of schools are united schools. About 90% of students in England study in them. The unified school admits primary school graduates with varying levels of intelligence and ability. Unified secondary schools can be organized in various ways: integrated upper secondary schools for children from 11 to 18 years old; middle schools, where students move to high school at the age of 12, 13, or 14, and graduate at 16 or 18; schools for the age group from 11-12 to 16 years old, combined with the so-called "sixth grade". The Unified Schools were organized with the aim of creating equal educational opportunities. They had to provide joint learning for students with different abilities, interests and opportunities. In reality, however, many of the unified schools have retained streams or divisions based on selective student selection.

In grammar schools, the child receives a general complete secondary education, and is also prepared for training in higher educational institutions. The educational work in grammar schools is based on the principle of a differentiated curriculum. After graduation from grade 5, approximately 60% of students who pass exams and receive a General Certificate of Education at the regular level drop out of school. The remaining 40% continue to study according to individual curricula in the 6th grade, two years, which is the final grade.

The educational system of Great Britain, in accordance with the administrative division and established traditions, is divided into three subsystems: 1) England and Wales, 2) Northern Ireland and 3) Scotland. It should be noted that the educational systems of England, Wales and Northern Ireland differ insignificantly in their structure, but the educational system of Scotland has its own traditional characteristics. The modern education system in Great Britain includes: pre-school education, primary education, general secondary education, further education and higher education.

England and Wales.

Education in England and Wales starts at the age of 5. Until the age of 11, they study in primary schools, where the emphasis is on basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills. From 11 to 16 years old, students study in secondary schools, which are comprehensive schools, with in-depth study of subjects (grammar schools) and secondary special (secondary modern schools).

Upon reaching the age of sixteen, students can continue their education to obtain the knowledge necessary for admission to universities and universities in their school, in sixth form colleges or tertiary colleges.

Scotland.

In primary schools in Scotland, children study from 4 to 12 years old. Almost all secondary schools are comprehensive, where a full course lasts six years, but in some mountainous areas where it is impossible to teach children everything due to lack of teachers or for other reasons, a general education course lasts four years, and students may transfer to another school to continue education.

The vast majority of Scottish schools are owned by the Board of Education and are funded directly by their Board. However, there are also several schools (19) that are funded by grants from the Scottish Department of Education and run by volunteer organizations. Parents of students can vote to move the school out of the control of the local board of education for direct funding from the Department.

Northern Ireland.

Primary school in Northern Ireland is attended from 4 to 11 years old. Secondary education is organized according to the students' abilities and their religious affiliation. Controlled schools are wholly and entirely government funded. Voluntary schools are owned by voluntary organizations, most of them are owned by the Catholic Church, but receive financial assistance from public funds. Voluntary grammar schools and some Catholic schools receive direct grants from the Northern Ireland Department of Education.

Boarding school.

In addition to regular high schools, where students come to study during the day (Day Schools) and return home in the evening, the Boarding Schools system has become widespread in the UK. In such schools, children live and study all year, returning home only for the holidays. The British, whose work is associated with frequent travel, - the military, diplomats, businessmen, traveling salesmen and many other persons who, for one reason or another, cannot devote enough time to their children, willingly send their children to private boarding schools. Even very wealthy parents who can hire tutors and teachers for their child prefer to use the services of privileged boarding houses. The extensive network of boarding schools has been around for a very long time and is as traditional as the network of regular schools.

English boarding schools are a system whose main goal is the all-round harmonious development of children. School subjects, sports and art are organically combined here into a single program for the upbringing and education of children, which has been formed over decades, has passed the test of time and continues to improve continuously.

In the UK, two types of boarding schools coexist: independent / private (Independent / Private Boarding Schools) and public (State Boarding School). The upbringing and education of children from 5 to 11 years old is mainly involved in private boarding schools. There are very few public boarding schools for children aged 5-11.

Such schools, as a rule, have their own libraries, computer labs, gyms and playgrounds, workshops and laboratories, rooms for self-study and recreation. In their free time from school, students are united in various sports sections and clubs of interest. Experienced teachers coordinate their activities and use their capabilities in preparation for school-wide evenings, holidays and sports competitions. Teachers are responsible for all aspects of the out-of-school life of students, their health, psychological state. Boarding schools always have a 24-hour medical office with qualified nurses. Schools usually have agreements with local doctors who regularly carry out medical examinations of children, who can arrive on call and provide the necessary medical assistance at any time of the day.

British education is one of the best in the world.

The legislation of this state prescribes compulsory school attendance for children from 5 to 16 years old (in Ireland - from 6 to 16).

In all countries that are part of the United Kingdom dominated by public schools.

Education on the territory of the Kingdom was dealt with from the day of the settlement of these territories by the Anglo-Saxons, or even earlier - during the rule of the Roman Empire. In the Middle Ages, Latin and grammar were taught here in schools.

The main educational institutions were controlled by the church, and young people received practical skills through apprenticeship.

At the end of the 19th century, a single state formation was introduced in England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales. Institutions of higher education developed in parallel.

The oldest universities in England - and have been open more than 800 years ago.

In the 19th century, universities were opened in London, Birmingham and Manchester. In Scotland, 4 of the first 6 UK universities were opened - in particular, the universities in Glasgow and Aberdeen.

The development of education continues to this day.

In 1988, a reform was carried out in the British educational system, as a result of which, in all schools in the countries of the United Kingdom a unified state training program was introduced, and in 1997 new laws on education were introduced.

Preschool education in the UK

Although kindergartens are called schools, in fact they are precisely kindergartens.

British preschool education is not much different from Russian - children are taught to sing songs, tell fairy tales and poems, draw, develop their fine motor skills.

Little Britons go to kindergartens until they are 5 years old.

School education in the UK

School education in this country is divided into two stages:

• primary (from 5 to 11 years old);
• average (from 11 to 16).

Primary education is carried out in schools of 3 types:

• grammatical (in such schools, the emphasis is on academic education, focused on continuing education in universities);
• modern (here the leading role is played by the applied orientation with the aim of subsequent professional education);
• unified (there are the majority of such schools, here the academic and applied directions are balanced).

The schools provide for the continuation of education at the end of the basic course.

Secondary education is considered complete if the A-level is received.

Obtaining this level certifies.

The course of study in accordance with such a program lasts 2 years and is considered standard for assessing preparation and suitability for further academic education.

Education in elite schools(in some of them only boys study) not only for a fee, but also provides testing upon admission.

Higher education in Britain

After receiving the A-level, young people can go to universities - universities or higher colleges and get a bachelor's degree.

In England, Ireland and Wales you need to study for a bachelor's degree for 3 years, in Scotland -4.

For some specialties, training includes work practice, in which case the term of study is lengthened.

Such specific disciplines as art and design require preliminary completion of a basic course, and only then a three-year study.

Architectural and medical education in the country, provide for longer periods of study - up to 7 years.

The education system in Great Britain is based on its own thousand-year-old traditions of upbringing the younger generation and is considered the world standard of teaching. Many universities and private schools in the United Kingdom are renowned for their rich history and the quality of their alumni. The oldest of the existing private schools in England, King's School in Cantenbury, is 1420 years old, and the founding years of the "youngest" private educational institutions are no later than 1699.

The modern English education system includes four stages:

• Primary education - from 5 to 11 years old.
• The average- from 11 to 16 years old.
• After school- from 16 to 18 years old.
• Higher- from 18 years old.

UK school education

In the school system in the UK, there are the following types of educational institutions:

• unified schools where education is conducted according to the standard program;
• grammar schools - their main goal is preparation for entering a university;
• modern schools are focused on obtaining practical knowledge in various professions.

Before going to school, the child is obliged to take a preschool course, during which they do not particularly load with knowledge, but devote more time to education and developmental games.

At the age of 5, children are enrolled in primary school, where they study until 11 and take only three subjects - the mother tongue, the basics of mathematics and one optional. The level of acquired knowledge is checked on intermediate exams.

With the transition to high school, a course of exact sciences and additional subjects are added to the program:

• story;
• geography;
• foundations of religion and art;
• music;
• foreign language.

After graduating from secondary school at the age of sixteen, students take a compulsory final exam and receive a diploma of secondary education, but this does not give the right to enter higher education.

To qualify for admission to UK universities, you must have an A-Level certificate, which is obtained upon graduation from universities preparing schools - the so-called Six Form. Training in them lasts two years, during this period 4-6 selected subjects are deeply studied. At the end, an exam is passed, which gives the right to receive higher education.

The academic year in English schools is divided into terms. Holidays for Easter and Christmas last two weeks, in summer - six. There is a seven-day break in the middle of each trimester.

There are many schools in England for children with mental or physical disabilities. The program in them is much simpler and takes into account the characteristics of the pupils. The training process includes special physiotherapy and work with a psychologist.

Private schools in the UK

Almost all public schools (as private schools are called in English) are educational organizations of full, less often partial boarding. Closed educational institutions in which pupils receive full support are a tradition and a striking feature of British private education.

Private schools in England differ from public institutions for the better in the level of education. Statistics show that a graduate of a private school has a higher chance of going to university. This is explained by the large number of subjects studied, the qualifications of the teaching staff and a strong material base.

If desired, parents can educate their child at home, but for this you need to obtain official permission from the Board of Education.

The school system in the UK is very disciplined: students can be expelled for poor performance and absenteeism.

Higher education in England

One of the hallmarks of the education system in England is democracy. There are many different courses of study in universities, among which you can always choose a suitable one, and, if desired, change the list of selected items.

The higher education system in the UK is represented by universities and colleges.

In total, there are more than 180 universities in the United Kingdom, most of them are public universities.

The British government leaves the formation of educational policy to the discretion of higher educational institutions, the state controls only the quality of teaching.

Universities are:

• collegial, which include colleges (universities of Cambridge and Oxford);
• unitary with faculties and departments as subdivisions.

Colleges are divided into three types:

• Classic. These educational institutions have been accredited and are eligible to issue a bachelor's degree.
• Technical. The educational program in them is narrowly focused and provides basic practical training in a working specialty.
• Further training. They give special professional education (design, mechanical engineering, gardening, etc.).

Higher education institutions in England issue diplomas of the following categories:

• bachelor - training usually lasts three years, for those wishing to receive an honors degree - four;
• master- two years;
• doctor- three years.

The learning process in British universities takes place in the form of lectures, seminars and practical laboratory work. There are also tutorials - additional classes with a teacher in a small group (from two to ten people).

All students of British universities have access to modern libraries and scientific laboratories. Students can attend a large number of electives. Educational programs in Britain are very flexible and allow at the end of the training to receive not one, but two academic degrees in different directions.

Elite learning is widely developed in the British education system. High-ranking parents from around the world seek to place their children in prestigious British universities or schools. In them, students not only gain in-depth knowledge and master secular manners, but also acquire connections in the field of politics and business.

The practice of distance learning is widespread in the UK. These are independent classes based on specially designed educational packages and the ability to receive consultations from teachers online or by e-mail.

Higher education in England is quite expensive, but there are various scholarships and grants available in the country. Especially gifted students can get them.

Diplomas from British universities are considered the most prestigious in the world. The modern British education system was completely adopted by Australia and Canada.

According to UNESCO and OECD data, there were over 3.5 million students in the United Kingdom in 2012, 428,000 of whom are foreigners.

A detailed diagram of the higher education system in England (Great Britain) looks like this:

• kids 5 - 7 years old study in a preparatory school;
• children 8 - 13 years old - in primary;
• young people 13 - 16 years old - in the middle;
• at the age of 16 - 18 they receive a complete secondary education;
• at 18 - 21 years old - graduate from high school;
• at 21 - 22 students receive a bachelor's, master's and postgraduate diploma.