Here you can find detailed information about the pre 18 education systems in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland, including the differences between them, the differences between state and private schools and the qualifications students study for at different ages.
· Why study at pre 18 level in the UK?
The UK has some of the finest, independent, fee paying schools for students under the age of 18 in the world. Parents from all over the world send their children to the UK to study for well known and highly respected UK qualifications at independent schools, many of which have excellent reputations for high exam pass rates and past student successes.
Gaining UK qualifications are a great way to ensure a student’s future success, whether it be gaining employment or being accepted at a top university. GCSEs, A levels, International baccalaureates and Scottish equivalents all encourage students to think and learn independently. Teaching methods used in the UK facilitate students to use their own creative, reasoning, research and analysis skills. Students are encouraged to think for themselves, especially for individual or group work projects and coursework that will often make up a percentage of final grades. This method of teaching is widely considered superior to having students memorise information which they are simply expected to re-present when taking exams, as is used in many other countries. This is one reason UK qualifications enjoy such a high reputation worldwide.
At UK independent schools, students have the opportunity to combine academic study with a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as participating in student plays, joining musical bands or sports teams or even writing articles for the school newspaper. All of which, schools will encourage students to take part in as it not only aids in the general development of each child but is also very helpful when applying to study at the best colleges and universities, who will often look for students with achievements outside of the classroom in addition to high academic grades.
· UK (exc. Scotland) state education pre 18In England, students at state schools are required to study the “national curriculum” up to the age of 16.
The national curriculum is split into 4 “key stages”. Key stages 1 and 2, year groups 1 to 6, are usually studied at “primary school”, from ages 5 to 11. At age 11 most students then make the step up to “secondary school” and begin key stage 3. Students are assessed at the end of each key stage, using national curriculum tests, to ensure they are progressing at a satisfactory level. Key stage 4 incorporates school years 10 and 11, at the end of which students will be assessed by taking “General Certificate of Secondary Education” (GCSE) exams.
The national curriculum consists of “core” and “foundation” subjects. The core subjects are English, mathematics and science. These core subjects must be studied at every key stage, including key stage 4, GCSE level. Foundation subjects include history, geography, design & technology, information and communication technology (ICT), art & design, music, physical education, modern foreign languages and citizenship. The study of these foundation subjects varies at each key level, i.e. at least 1 modern foreign language must be taken at key stage 3, but can then be dropped at key stage 4 or studied further at GCSE level.
Wales and Northern Ireland largely follow the same national curriculum. However, the Welsh language is an additional core subject in Wales and schools in Northern Ireland are free to develop additional curriculum elements.
In the UK (exc. Scotland) students have a choice of options after completing key stage 4. They can,
Studying “Advanced levels” (A levels) are the most common route to higher education / university whilst vocational training usually leads directly to the workplace. However, vocational qualifications can and often are used as an alternative route into higher education and many students will look for a job after completing their A levels, rather than continuing full time study.
| Age (at start of year) |
Year group | National curriculum “Key stage” |
School | Study / qualification |
| 5 | 1 | 1 | Primary | |
| 6 | 2 | 1 | Primary | |
| 7 | 3 | 2 | Primary | |
| 8 | 4 | 2 | Primary | |
| 9 | 5 | 2 | Primary | |
| 10 | 6 | 2 | Primary | |
| 11 | 7 | 3 | Secondary | |
| 12 | 8 | 3 | Secondary | |
| 13 | 9 | 3 | Secondary | |
| 14 | 10 | 4 | Secondary | GCSE |
| 15 | 11 | 4 | Secondary | GCSE |
| 16 | 12 / lower 6th form | Secondary or college | A/AS level or vocational | |
| 17 | 13 / upper 6th form |
Secondary or college | A/A2 level or vocational |
· UK (exc. Scotland) private education pre 18
Private, fee paying schools in the UK, also, rather confusingly, called “public schools” are usually referred to as “independent schools”. They do not have to follow a compulsory national curriculum, hence the title “Independent”, although most of them offer courses of study that work towards the standard public exams.
Children under the age of 7/8 usually attend a “Pre-prep school”.
“Prep schools” were traditionally for 7/8 to 13 year olds. At the end of which students would usually take the “13+ common entrance exam” for admission into an Independent secondary school. To more closely follow the state system, many prep schools now teach students up to age 11, and independent secondary schools take students from this age. This is particularly true for day schools and girls’ or co-ed schools, whereas many traditional boarding schools and boys’ schools still make the change from prep to secondary at age 13.
Some prep schools prepare students for entry into any one of a number of secondary schools, whilst some are closely linked with a single secondary school. Some independent schools operate integrated secondary, prep and sometimes also pre-prep schools, allowing students to remain at the same school all the way through to 18 years of age.
At age 14, year 10 students usually start a two year course of study towards GCSEs. Some independent schools in the UK also offer International GCSEs (IGCSEs).
During years 12 and 13, also called the 6th form, the majority of independent schools offer A level courses. Some also or exclusively offer study towards the International Baccalaureate (IB). Some will also offer vocational A levels.
Note that most independent schools in the UK will not accept new students halfway through a two year course of study, i.e. during GCSEs or A levels.
The common academic qualifications students between the ages of 14 and 18 study for in the UK are detailed below. Note that in addition to these academic qualifications, the UK also offers a number of vocational qualifications in a wide range of subjects. For more information about vocational qualifications in the UK see;
Students usually study between 6 and 12 GCSEs (9 or 10 being the most common) over a two year course of study, from age 14 to 16 (years 10 and 11). There are many possible subjects to study, some of which will be mandatory (core) and others optional. The standard core subjects are English, mathematics and science.
The number of GCSEs and which subjects are core and which additional subjects are available will differ from school to school. Most good schools offer up to 25 subjects or more. Taking 9 or 10 different subjects gives most students a wide scope of study, allowing them to consider their future career path and/or degree course at a slightly later stage.
GCSEs are often assessed through a combination of exams and coursework, such as projects involving students conducting their own research, analysis and reporting, completed throughout the duration of study, whilst some are assessed entirely by exams.
Some GCSEs are available as short courses, involving half the teaching of the full award and are consequently considered to be equivalent to half of a GCSE. Other subjects are available as a double award, involving twice the teaching and are thus worth two GCSEs. A popular example of this is the “double science” GCSE, which is a practical way for students to study all three sciences (chemistry, biology and physics) with a broad coverage, without having to take each of the three subjects as separate GCSEs, as this could limit the choice of other optional subjects.
The global reputation and recognition of the UK’s GCSE qualifications gave rise to the “International GCSE” (IGCSE). Available in over 100 countries worldwide, where it is recognised as an equivalent to the UK GCSE, it is also available in some independent schools in the UK, although usually only in a limited range of subjects, so it is commonly studied alongside conventional UK GCSEs.
Another option available at certain schools are “Vocational GCSEs” (VGCSEs), which are career based versions of the normal GCSE. All are double awards (worth two GCSEs) and are usually studied alongside conventional GCSEs.
Considered the “gold standard” by university admission staff and employers alike, A levels enjoy a global reputation like few other pre 18 qualifications.
A levels, also known as GCEs (not to be confused with GCSEs), are usually studied over a two year course, from age 16 to 18 (years 12 and 13, also known as the 6th form), and are the standard route into higher education, although most employers will also recognise job candidates with good A level results.
Entrance onto an A level course can depend on a student having studied that subject at a previous level, i.e. GCSE, however, this is not always the case as admission policies vary from school to school and place to place.
A levels are split into AS levels and A2 levels. Students study a number of subjects, commonly 4 or 5 at UK independent schools, at AS level in the first year of the course then choosing certain subjects, usually 3, sometimes 4, from those studied at AS level to study further at A2 level, thereby converting those AS levels into full A levels. Note that AS levels are not only the fist half of an A level but are also a stand-alone qualification in their own right, considered to be worth half an A level. Therefore students will often complete the two year course with a number of A levels and AS levels, commonly 3 A levels plus 1 or 2 AS levels. Variations on this apply from school to school, although the general minimum is attainment of the equivalent of 3 A levels, either as 3 full A levels or 2 A levels plus 2 AS levels.
The subject range is incredibly wide and varied and is less restricted than with GCSEs, as normally schools will not separate subjects into core and optional groups. However, students wishing to later pursue a certain career and/or degree course must choose suitable subjects at this stage of their education as certain A levels are required to have been taken when applying for certain higher education courses. For example, an A level in history will generally be required if the student wishes to study for a history degree. Other degree courses such as medicine will usually require a minimum of three A levels or AS levels all from the science and mathematics groups of subjects.
Advice on suitable subjects to take at A and AS level is available from every school in the UK, providing a qualified career / guidance counselor to help students choose. Those students who are still not clear about their future career plans are often advised to take a broad range of subjects that they are both capable at and enjoy studying.
A levels are often assessed through a combination of exams and coursework, such as projects involving students conducting their own research, analysis and reporting, completed throughout the duration of study, whilst some are assessed entirely by exams.
Due to the high number of students in the past achieving three or more “A” grades (top grades) in their A levels, despite the notorious difficulty of A levels, Advanced Extension Awards (AEAs) were introduced to distinguish the most extremely able and talented A level students from their peers. Designed to demonstrate a student’s in-depth understanding of a certain subject, AEAs require no extra content to be taught over and above that for A levels. They are only offered in certain subjects, to the very best students already taking that subject at A level.
“Vocational A levels”, also known as “Vocational Certificates of Education” (VCEs) are also available at certain schools and colleges, in a few industry related subjects, such as business or travel and tourism. They involve the study of a certain industry and help to develop work-based skills. They are offered as half, single or double awards, equivalent to one AS level, one A level and two A levels, respectively.
· International Baccalaureate (IB)
The International Baccalaureate (IB) offers a well recognised, high quality programme of international education at schools all over the world. The IB diploma programme is a two year course, generally for students aged 16 to 18 (years 12 and 13 in the UK). It is an equivalent to A levels and is accepted as proof of education at every university in the UK and much of the rest of the world, including the likes of Oxford University in the UK and Harvard University in the USA.
It’s availability in the UK is becoming increasingly common at independent secondary schools, either offering it exclusively, or alongside the traditional A level courses.
The fact that it can be studied to the same standards, using the same basic curriculum and is taught in English, French and/or Spanish at over 2,000 schools in 125 countries worldwide makes the IB a truly international qualification. It is ideal for families with children that may need to move around frequently from country to country, because what a student learns in one school, in one country, can be easily transferred to another school, in another country.
Students must choose six subjects, one each from six subject groups. Three of these subjects are studied at a higher level (similar to A level) and the other three at a standard level (similar to AS level). In addition they study three core disciplines; 1 - an extended essay on a chosen subject, 2 - theory of knowledge, 3 – creativity, action, service (i.e. arts, sports and extra-curricular activities).
· Scottish state education and qualifications pre 18
Scottish state schools do not follow the English national curriculum. Therefore, the education system in Scotland is significantly different from that in the rest of the UK.
Primary schooling begins at age 5, year group P1 and continues to age 11, year group P7. This means that Scottish students move up to secondary schooling, starting year S1, at age 12, rather than age 11 – as in the rest of the UK.
Students study the Scottish “5 – 14 curriculum” from P1 to S2, inclusive. In S3 and S4, students study for “Standard grades” (S – grades) and sometimes also “Intermediate” qualifications in S4. Standard grades are broadly equivalent to GCSEs and are usually taken in a broad range of subjects.
As in the rest of the UK, students at age 16 are free to leave full time education if they wish. So, similar choices are available to Scottish students at the completion of their Standard grades. They can,
In S5, most students choose to miss out Intermediate qualifications, if they have not already taken them, and progress directly to Highers after Standard grades. Highers are usually a one year course of study. In the following year, S6, students either take additional Highers in different subjects or Advanced Highers in some of the subjects already studied at Higher level. Note that some students will continue their S5 Highers in S6, if they need two years to complete them instead of just one. Highers and Advanced Highers are broadly equivalent to A levels and are available in a wide range of both academic and vocational subjects.
Traditionally, Scottish students progressed to undergraduate studies at age 17, after completing Highers in S5. Many students wishing to study at Scottish universities still do this. However, it is now very common to stay on in S6, especially if they want to study at an English university.
| Age (at start of year) |
Year group | School | Study / qualification |
| 5 | P1 | Primary | 5 – 14 curriculum |
| 6 | P2 | Primary | 5 – 14 curriculum |
| 7 | P3 | Primary | 5 – 14 curriculum |
| 8 | P4 | Primary | 5 – 14 curriculum |
| 9 | P5 | Primary | 5 – 14 curriculum |
| 10 | P6 | Primary | 5 – 14 curriculum |
| 11 | P7 | Primary | 5 – 14 curriculum |
| 12 | S1 | Secondary | 5 – 14 curriculum |
| 13 | S2 | Secondary | 5 – 14 curriculum |
| 14 | S3 | Secondary | Standard grade (S – grade) |
| 15 | S4 | Secondary | Standard grade (S – grade) or Intermediate |
| 16 | S5 | Secondary or college | Intermediate or Higher |
| 17 | S6 | Secondary, college or Scottish university | Higher, Advanced Higher or start Bachelor degree course |
· Scottish private schooling pre 18
Similar to independent schools in the rest of the UK, Scottish independent schools are not restricted by strictly following a national curriculum.
Most independent schools in Scotland still operate courses of study that work towards the usual Scottish qualifications of Standard grades, Intermediates, Highers and Advanced Highers. However, many Scottish independent schools offer GCSEs and A levels or IBs in addition or exclusively.
Children in China have 6 years of primary school education from age 6 to 12, followed by 3 years of junior secondary education, up to age 15. This makes up the 9 years of compulsory education for students in China. At the end of junior secondary school all students sit exams to determine their route of further education. Many students will go on to senior secondary school for another 3 years. Some students will go to vocational schools for 2, 3 or 4 years and some students will not continue their education any further.
| Age (at start of year) |
English year group | School – England, Wales & Northern Ireland | Chinese year group | School – China |
| 5 | 1 | Primary | ||
| 6 | 2 | Primary | Primary 1 | Primary |
| 7 | 3 | Primary | Primary 2 | Primary |
| 8 | 4 | Primary | Primary 3 | Primary |
| 9 | 5 | Primary | Primary 4 | Primary |
| 10 | 6 | Primary | Primary 5 | Primary |
| 11 | 7 | Secondary | Primary 6 | Primary |
| 12 | 8 | Secondary | Junior middle 1 | Junior secondary |
| 13 | 9 | Secondary | Junior middle 2 | Junior secondary |
| 14 | 10 | Secondary | Junior middle 3 | Junior secondary |
| 15 | 11 | Secondary | Higher middle 1 | Senior secondary or vocational |
| 16 | 12 | Secondary or college | Higher middle 2 | Senior secondary or vocational |
| 17 | 13 |
Secondary or college | Higher middle 3 | Senior secondary or vocational |
· Secondary school preparation courses
A number of independent schools in the UK run preparation courses for overseas students. Such courses are commonly for overseas students arriving in the UK at the age of 14 or 16, when they would normally begin a two year course of study towards GCSEs or A levels, but it is believed they require a little more academic study and/or English language tuition first. Normally these preparation courses last for one academic year. Students arriving in the UK at other ages/stages of education can often be placed directly into standard classes.
Some overseas students may only require some additional English language tuition. Some independent schools offer this tuition alongside regular classes during term time. Others will also or only offer English language tuition in the summer before the start of the school year in September.
· Guardianship for overseas students under 18
Guardians are for overseas students, under the age of 18, studying at a UK independent boarding school. They take care of the students’ general welfare, including accommodating them during half-term holidays and accompanying them on weekend excursions, while they are in the UK. Parents of students under the age of 18 may have relatives in the UK that can act on their behalf and help to look after the child when necessary. Parents without relatives in the UK should appoint a guardian to act on their behalf.
Certain independent schools might insist that overseas students have satisfactory guardianship arrangements and also underline the responsibilities the guardians are expected to undertake. These schools are only acting in the best interests of the students.
The role of the guardian can vary, depending especially on the age of the student. A guardian’s common responsibilities will include;
Some UK independent schools can help appoint guardians for their overseas students but many will leave this responsibility entirely to the parents. In this instance it is recommended parents use an appropriate guardianship organisation that has been inspected and accredited by the Association for the Education and Guardianship of International Students (AEGIS), who enforce a suitable code of practice is followed by their members. For more information about AEGIS, see their website at www.aegisuk.net.
Blue Sky Study are also able to help parents find reputable guardianship organisations in the UK that offer reliable and professional services to the students in their care as well as to their parents.
Although using a professional guardianship organisation adds another expense to be paid by the parents, there are certain benefits of using them. They are able to provide a choice of highly suitable guardians often within reasonably close vicinity of the students’ school. All guardians used by a guardianship organisation will have undergone strict background and legal checks. Appointed guardians will have experience and be able to professionally undertake their duties. All this means greater peace of mind for the parents, knowing that they and their child have someone trustworthy and responsible to rely on in any situation.
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