Education is compulsory in the UK for children aged 5 to 18. The system is divided into stages, with different names and structures in different parts of the UK.
Stages of Education
Early Years (0-5) - Nursery and reception classes - Not compulsory but widely available - Foundation Stage curriculum
Primary School (5-11) - Ages 5-11 (Key Stages 1 and 2) - Subjects: English, maths, science, and more - End with Year 6
Secondary School (11-16) - Ages 11-16 (Key Stages 3 and 4) - GCSE exams taken at age 16 - Compulsory education ends after GCSEs
Further Education (16-18) - A-levels, BTECs, or apprenticeships - Compulsory to be in education or training until 18 - Can study at school, college, or through work
Higher Education (18+) - Universities and colleges - Degrees: Bachelor's, Master's, PhD - Student loans available for tuition
Types of Schools
- **State schools** - Free, funded by government
- **Academies** - State-funded but independently run
- **Grammar schools** - Selective state schools (entry by exam)
- **Independent/Private schools** - Fee-paying
- **Faith schools** - Religious ethos
Key Exams
- **SATs** - National tests at end of primary school
- **GCSEs** - At age 16 (General Certificate of Secondary Education)
- **A-levels** - At age 18 (Advanced Level)
School Year
- September to July
- Three terms with half-term and main holidays