The British Education System
According to the Department of Education, in January, 2013, there were around 8.2 million pupils in all schools in England; around 4.3 of these went to state-funded primary schools, and 3.2 million went to state-funded secondary schools. Some 579,700 pupils, meanwhile, went to independent schools, representing a small rise since the previous year. There are approximately 2,600 independent schools in the UK, 700 of which are also boarding schools. They are generally divided by age in the following manner:
Pre-prep schools: for children aged between four and seven
Prep schools: for children aged between eight and 13
Senior schools: For those aged between 13 and 18 (Senior school students prepare for GCSEs and A-Levels).
Sixth-form: For those aged between 16 and 18 (in sixth form colleges, students prepare for A-Levels and additional qualifications).
Preparatory school: Preparatory schools are essentially the middle and primary schools of the independent sector. Admitting pupils from the age of 7 and releasing them to senior schools at the age of 13.Across the preparatory system the central goal is to prepare young children for the next phases of their lives, for the demands of a more specialized senior education and, in the longer term to be able to meet the challenges of the workplace and to take their place in society. The curriculum within a prep school can vary from school to school, but most prep schools offer a "whole curriculum" with subjects including English, Mathematics, French, Science, Geography, Scripture and Physical Education. Pupils are encouraged to think for themselves and solve problems through outdoor activities and investigation. Pupils are prepared for entry to a range of senior schools. They gain entry through Common Entrance or Scholarship examinations and a large number of awards are earned each year.
Senior schools Year 9, GCSE 10 and 11: Senior school begins in year 9 in the UK when students are 13 years old. During year 9 there are no public examination so it is an ideal time for international students to join and acclimatise before entering year 10 and beyond. Year 10 sees the start of a two year course culminating in state examination and qualifications called GCSE’s General Certificate of Secondary Education. Students will normally choose between 8-11 subjects at this level. Success at GCSE enables students to continue to A level or IB.
The Sixth Form and University Preparation A Levels or IB: Year 12 entry is the next available time to start a UK school after year 10 and sees the start of preparation of university study. A levels are the traditional route to UK university and students start the 2 year course in year 12. At the end of year 12 students sit 3 or 4 AS level examinations. Students then continue on to year 13 at the end of which they sit A levels in 3 or 4 subjects.
The IB course is a broader curriculum with two languages as compulsory amongst a total of six subjects taken. Both A level and IB are recognised as an entry requirement to an undergraduate course at university worldwide.
