NOTE: There are differences within the education system of
the United Kingdom because responsibilities and oversight for education has been transferred to the devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland (the Welsh Assembly Government and Northern Ireland Assembly respectively). However, the purpose of this document is to present a brief, general summary of education in the United Kingdom. The sources cited at the end of this section provide more specific details about education in the United Kingdom.
Preprimary:
NOTE: Within the foundation stage/phase, some students attend a "reception class" in primary school. This is comparable to kindergarten in the United States (with academic activities) and provides a "bridge" between nursery school and key stage 1.
Primary:
NOTE: The primary school years are divided into stages. In England, these are key stage 1 and key stage 2. In Wales, since 2008, they have been known as the foundation phase and key stage
2. In Northern Ireland, since 2008, they have been known as the foundation stage, key stage 1 and key stage 2.
Lower secondary:
NOTE: Although lower and upper secondary schools are typically combined in the United Kingdom, the first 3 years of secondary school are classified as lower secondary under the ISCED and are commonly referred to as "key stage 3." Some areas have both grammar schools, which enroll children with higher achievement, and comprehensive schools, which enroll children with lower achievement.
Upper secondary:
NOTE: After the first 2 years of upper secondary school, students take General Certificate of Secondary Education qualifications (GCSEs), typically at age 16. They then have the option of continuing school for 2 years, often called the sixth form. Some schools do not offer the sixth form, in which case students can transfer to a school with one, sixth form college (which is similar but in a separate school) or go to a further education college. Sixth forms usually offer General Certificate of Education Advanced level examinations (GCE A levels). An A level qualification consists of advanced subsidiary (AS) and A2 units. The AS (taken at age 17) is a stand-alone qualification and is worth half a full A level qualification. The A2 (taken at age 18) is the second half of a full A level qualification and covers more demanding material than at AS level. An increasing range of GCSEs, A levels, and AS levels in applied (vocational) subjects is also being offered, along with a developing range of 14-19 Diplomas. Such 14-19 Diplomas involve part-time or full-time programs that combine vocational and academic studies in broad subject areas. They are suitable for 16- to 19-year-old adult learners or upper secondary students. GCE A levels are usually required for entry to higher education, however students are increasingly able to enter higher education with these parallel A level, AS level, and 14-19 Diploma vocational qualifications. If students choose not to enter sixth form, their options are the labor force (often through apprenticeships or youth training courses) or a further education sector college. Further education sector colleges have traditionally offered vocational courses, but increasingly have academic programs.
Postsecondary and tertiary:
Common degree programs:
Sources:
Eurybase. (2010). The Information Database on Education Systems in Europe: The Organization of the Education System in the United Kingdom (England, Wales, and Northern Ireland),< 2009/10. Brussels: Eurydice. Retrieved December 15, 2010, from http://eacea.ec.europa.eu/education/eurydice/documents/eurybase/eurybase_full_reports/UN_EN.pdf.
Marlow-Ferguson, R. (Ed.) (2002). World Education Encyclopedia: A Survey of Educational Systems Worldwide, Vol. 1 (2nd ed.). Farmington Hills, MI: Gale Group.
Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. (1996). Education at a Glance: OECD Indicators. Paris: Author.
Robitaille, D.F. (1997). National Contexts for Mathematics and Science Education: An Encyclopedia of the Education Systems Participating in TIMSS. Vancouver, Canada: Pacific Educational Press.