A Guide to the British Education System
Discover Excellence in Education
Seeking the pinnacle of secondary education? Your journey begins with a single click! Dive into the prestigious world of Independent Schools where academic aspirations turn into achievements. 
Explore our comprehensive GCSE results and ranking table to find the perfect environment for scholarly success. Don’t miss out on the school that could shape your child’s future. Click through now to see where excellence meets opportunity! 
Independent Schools GCSE Results #IndependentSchools #GCSEresults #FutureLeaders
Unveiling Academic Prowess
Are you on a quest for the highest standard in A-Level education? Look no further! Take the first step towards a world of unparalleled academic distinction. Our detailed A-Level results and rankings chart is your gateway to identifying the Independent School that sets the stage for future success. 
Let us guide you to an institution where ambitions are nurtured, and scholars thrive. Click through to empower your decision with knowledge! Independent Schools A Level Results #IndependentSchools #ALevelExcellence #FutureReady
The education system in the UK is divided into four main parts, primary education, secondary education, further education and higher education.
The British education system in the UK is also split into “key stages” which breaks down as follows, all of which are compulsory schooling for UK Students.
Early Years and Key Stage 1: 5 to 7 years old
Key Stage 2: 7 to 11 years old
Key Stage 3: 11 to 14 years old
Key Stage 4: 14 to 16 years old
Choices to be made
With study in all core subjects in the british curriculum at this age, there are various options, both paid through boarding, or independent schools, and also through mainstream education in state schools provided by the local authority or local authorities by area.
We are fortunate with the uk education system that there is a consist high quality education available and teaching methods that suit any learning brain.
Boarding schools
YES Guardians works with Boarding schools, also known as private schools as the core part of our business. But we also work with grammar schools, international schools and prestigious universities.
UK boarding schools offer pupils an outstanding education, helping them to develop their skills and progress to university. All UK boarding schools have to meet strict government standards on the quality of their teaching, facilities and student care.
Many UK boarding schools combine beautiful, centuries-old buildings with a mix of modern classrooms and traditional architecture. The excellent facilities help make living and learning a great experience and pupils will will improve their English skills while they study.
State boarding schools
A state boarding school is one where you pay for boarding and the education is free. The government pays for the education as it would at any other state school in England.
Admission to state boarding schools in the UK is limited to children who are nationals of the UK and are eligible to hold a full UK passport, or those who are nationals of other European Union countries or those who have the right of residence in the UK. Please note that the holding of a BN(O) passport does not make the child eligible for a state boarding school in the UK.
Primary School and Primary Education
Early years in Primary school education begins in the UK at age 5 and other key stages continue until age 11, comprising key stages one and two under the UK educational system. Primary education in the UK follows the national curriculum, which sets out the subjects to be taught and the standards to be achieved. Primary and secondary education in the UK are the two main stages, with primary education covering the early years and primary school, and secondary education covering the years from around the age of 11 onwards, including the stage where students take GCSE exams.
Some primary schools are split up into Infant and Junior levels. These are usually separate schools on the same site. The infant age range (Key Stage 1) is from age 5 to 7. The Junior age range (Key Stage 2) is from age 7 to 11.
The year groups at primary School level are:
Early years and Key Stage 1
- Year R (Reception) (age 4 – 5)
- Year 1 (age 5 – 6)
- Year 2 (age 6 – 7)
The year when SATs testing takes place for Key Stage 1 is year 2
Key Stage 2
- Year 3 (age 7 – 8)
- Year 4 (age 8 – 9)
- Year 5 (age 9 – 10)
- Year 6 (age 10 – 11)
The year when SATs testing takes place for Key Stage 2 is Year 6
Secondary school – years 7 and 8
In British schools, Years 7 and 8 are the first two years of secondary school, and the students academic journey post primary education in the UK. In some independent schools they are included in the Junior School, in others, they are part of the Senior School. These years are part of the compulsory education in the UK, which requires children to receive full-time education from ages 5 to 18.
Under the UK school system, all students study English, Maths, Sciences, a Humanity and a Modern Language. Besides these subjects, each school has a list with optional subjects (Art, Music, Drama, Latin, Sport Science, Design Technology, Computer Science), and students may choose a few subjects that interest them.
In some schools, students sit the Common Entrance Exam in year 7. There are 3 examination sessions, in November, January and May/June. The transition from Junior to Senior School (from year 8 to year 9) may be conditioned upon the Common Entrance Exam results in those schools. Exams are common is the British education system
Secondary school – year 9
Year 9 is a very important year in the British school system, as most of the students make the transition from Junior School to Senior School. It is also a very good foundation for the GCSE programme and it is an entry point to all schools.
Students study English, Maths, Sciences, Humanity and Languages. In addition, students choose a few subjects from the optional subject list offered by each school.
Within any secondary school, there is a mix of the compulsory subjects above, but also on offer as british qualifications, students typically will have a balanced curriculum at this age, with other core subjects such as Economics, Technology, Religion etc.
Secondary education – years 10 and 11
Years 10 and 11 are part of the secondary education stage, which follows primary education in the UK. Arguably the most important school year; with GCSE’s happening along the way.
GCSE programme
In the last two years of secondary education, which are called Year 10 and Year 11, starting at age 14, students prepare for GCSE exams that are taken after two years (General Certificate of Secondary Education). This is one key milestone on the way to higher education, following the national curriculum.
The GCSE programme is part of the British curriculum, which provides a structured and comprehensive education recognized globally. In the UK school system, during the GCSE programme, students study between 9 and 12 subjects. Some of them are compulsory (English, Math, 2/3 Sciences, History/Geography, a Modern Language etc.), some are chosen by each student according to their abilities and preferences. At the end of the 2 year GCSE programme, following the examinations on each studied subject, students receive their GCSE Certificates.
The chosen subjects and the GCSE results are very important for their Further Studies (A-Level or IB) and for their University admission.
GCSE grades are awarded as numbers from 9-1.
Intensive 1 year GCSE
Some schools offer a 1 Year GCSE programme in Year 11 for international students seeking a school education in the UK. These intensive, one year courses, are available for students aged 15 plus, with the appropriate academic level from their own country. Fewer subjects are studied (maximum 6). GCSE grades are awarded here.
IGCSE
The IGCSE programme (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) prepare international students for A-Level and/or IB.
Students study between 5 and 7 subjects, English, Maths and Science being included. Each school has a list of available subjects for IGCSE students. At the end of Year 11, students take exams in each studied subject and receive IGCSE Certificates.
Years 12 and 13 also called Sixth Form
Students who receive quality early education are more likely to succeed in their later schooling and pursue further and higher education.
A level study
In the UK school system, once a student reaches the age of 16, they can start a 2 year programme which leads to A (Advanced) level examinations. Students specialise in 3 or 4 subjects, that are usually relevant to the degree subject they wish to follow at university. A levels are state examinations and are recognised by all UK universities and by institutions worldwide.
At the end of Year 13, following the examinations in each subject, the students receive A level Certificates.
This is a key area of the British education system.
International A Levels
International Baccalaureate (IB)
Those who would like to study more than 3-4 subjects, may continue their studies in a broader number of subjects with the International Baccaularete Diploma Programme, offered by some independent schools.
During the IB, students study 6 subjects, 3 at higher level (HL) and 3 at standard level (SL). Each school offers different subjects at different study levels (HL/SL). The IB programme also includes a compulsory Core programme consisting of Theory of Knowledge (TOK), Extended Essay (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
Students take written examinations on each subject at the end of their courses.
Tutorial colleges
Tutorial Colleges start at age 15 and have a more flexible programme range, focussing on fast access to UK university.
Many of the independent private sixth form colleges in Oxford, Cambridge and London work on a ‘tutorial system’ and are often referred to as ‘tutorial colleges’. The tutorial system originates from Oxford and Cambridge Universities and is a very highly regarded and much tested system. It it is still used today and is the cornerstone of an ‘Oxbridge’ education. A tutorial is a small class of only a few students, in which the tutor (a lecturer or other academic faculty member) gives individual attention to the students.
Further education – vocational courses
International students can either choose a state sixth form college or a college of further education as an alternative to private education. Both offer GCSE and A level courses for students from the age of 16. Colleges of further education also offer foundation and diploma courses. All colleges can prepare students for entry to a UK university or any university in the world.
British Education also offers vocational courses extending to BTEC courses which are designed for students who would like to develop practical knowledge and skills in a specific subject (Business, Psychology, Engineering, Sport, Art & Design) and find traditional exams challenging. Focussing on practical, skills-based learning, the BTEC students are assessed during the course. After each unit students are assessed through assignments, tasks or tests, and not at the end of the programme as it happens with GCSE or A-Level students.
Higher Education: university – foundation courses
From age 17, international students can opt to study one year foundation programmes, instead of A levels or IB. These courses lead to private examinations that are an alternative to A levels. Foundation courses at colleges are recognised by universities with whom they have partnerships.
Some universities also offer foundation courses that lead onto their own degree programmes.
University offers the opportunity of critical thinking through their education provision. A foundation degree is on offer here.
Further Education Colleges (FE Colleges)
An FE college is an institution that provides education for those above school age (age 16). There are many types of FE colleges including, sixth form colleges, specialist colleges and adult education institutes. FE Colleges are state run and as such those members of the EU joining can benefit from free education. There is also a competitive fee structure available for non-EU international students.
University – Undergraduate study
The main, stereotypical higher education in the uk education system starts here. Teaching methods vary depending on university but all are great.
In the UK, a British bachelors degree normally takes three years to complete and most are awarded at honours level. Examples of first degrees are: BA (Bachelor of Arts), BEng (Bachelor of Engineering), and BSc (Bachelor of Science) or a Bachelor’s degree.
State colleges offer some 2 year vocational diplomas that grant exemption from the first and sometimes second year of a degree programme. Some private tutorial colleges offer a one year diploma programme which is equivalent to year 1 of university. Students taking 1 year diplomas are awarded second year entry at some universities.
A bachelor’s degree is seen as a successful path through the education system.
University – Postgraduate study
Postgraduate education in the UK offers various options for students who have completed a first degree, including intensive postgraduate courses. This means that the courses are usually much shorter than in other countries. A master’s degree typically takes 12 months to complete, for example an MA – Master of Arts and an MEng – Master of Engineering. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a high profile Masters course which can take 2 years. Applicants will usually be high achieving with at least 2 years managerial experience. A PhD research degree in the UK can take between 2 and 7 years. These are commonly known as a master’s degree.
Universities
The UK is one of the world’s most popular destination for students from overseas. In fact, more than 400,000 international students enrol each year. International students considering an education in the UK have a choice of over 140 universities and higher education institutions, each offering a great range of tertiary qualifications that will be recognised the world over. Students join a 3 year undergraduate programme or a 1 year postgraduate course.
Pathway courses at university
If you need to improve your English language or study skills before attending a UK university, pathway providers offer unique foundation courses which often lead to direct degree-level entry upon completion. There are several private companies who operate Foundation and Diploma programmes on the campuses of UK universities. Often these courses offer accelerated access to undergraduate degrees.
UK university placement
For more advice and guidance on the British education system – contact us.
For any more information on the UK education system, (also known as the British education system), the british curriculum, any part of the british education systems, university entry, tuition fees or any other special educational requests. YES Guardians can help you.