How does high school work in the UK?

Secondary education is divided into Key Stage 3 for ages 11–13 and Key Stage 4 for ages 14–15. At the end of Year 11 (at age 15 or 16, depending on their birthday) students typically take General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams or other Level 1 or Level 2 qualifications.

What is year 13 in the UK?

In schools in England and Wales, Year 13 is the thirteenth year after Reception. It is normally the final year of Key Stage 5 in England and since 2015 it is compulsory to participate in some form of education or training in this year for students who finished Year 11 at an educational establishment in England.

What is the UK equivalent of high school?

Senior School which may also be known as Secondary School or High School. Sixth Form or Sixth Form College. (Alternative options include BTEC National Diplomas, apprenticeships, traineeships, or a hybrids of work and education)

What is the difference between high school and secondary school in the UK?

“High school” is the American name for secondary school, which normally refers to a school where children are aged between 14 and 18. However, some UK schools have “high school” in their names. In the UK, the term “college” normally describes a further education institution for children aged 16 to 18.

Is school harder in the US or UK?

Curriculum: In the UK, students typically study fewer subjects in greater depth, with a greater emphasis on exams at the end of each academic year. In the US, students are often required to take a broader range of subjects, with more opportunities for elective courses and continuous assessment throughout the year.

The UK Education System - What You Need To Know

Do Brits call high school college?

High school in the UK is referred to as "secondary school" or "comprehensive school." The term "college" is used differently in the UK than in the US, where it often refers to a higher education institution.

Can my 14 year old go to college instead of school UK?

Further education and sixth-form colleges are able to enrol students aged 14 to 16 on a full-time study programme and receive funding from the Education and Skills Funding Agency ( ESFA ).

Are British or American schools better?

Based on national average statistics, most children educated in a British style are a year or more ahead of their US counterparts in math and language.

What is a head boy in UK?

Head boy and head girl are student leadership roles in schools, representing the school's entire student body. They are normally the most senior prefects in the school. The terms are commonly used in the British education system as well as in Australia and private schools throughout the Commonwealth.

What age do British go to college?

Students normally enter higher education as undergraduates from age 18 onwards, and can study for a wide variety of vocational and academic qualifications, including certificates of higher education and higher national certificates at level 4, diplomas of higher education, higher national diplomas and foundation ...

When did I start secondary school UK?

Secondary school in the UK commences with Year 7 in England and Wales, Secondary 1 in Scotland and Year 8 in Northern Ireland.

How many GCSEs do you take?

How many GCSEs do you need to take? You're required to take a minimum of five subjects, but most students choose between nine and ten. The exact number can vary based on your academic ability and school resources.

What are GCSE exams?

What GCSEs are. GCSE stands for General Certificate of Secondary Education. They are highly valued by schools, colleges and employers. The qualification mainly involves studying the theory of a subject, together with some investigative work, while some subjects also involve practical work.

Is college free in the UK?

There are two levels of tuition fees at publicly funded UK universities: home student fees (including EU students) and international student fees. For home students, institutions in England can charge up to a maximum of £9,250 (~US$13,050) per year for undergraduate degree programmes.

What does P mean in grades UK?

P (Pass): you've been awarded an overall pass numerical grade. F (Fail): you've been awarded an overall fail numerical grade.

Is reception free in UK?

Working parents or carers of children aged three to four in England are currently entitled to 30 hours free childcare a week. The childcare provider must be approved – so informal providers such as grandparents don't count – and the support stops when your child starts reception class.

Can I legally leave school at 16 UK?

You can leave school on the last Friday in June if you'll be 16 by the end of the summer holidays. You must then do one of the following until you're 18: stay in full-time education, for example at a college. start an apprenticeship or traineeship.

What happens if my 15 year old refuses to go to school UK?

You'll get a School Attendance Order if the local council thinks your child is not getting an education. You have 15 days to provide evidence that you've registered your child with the school listed in the order or that you're giving them home education. If you do not, you could be prosecuted or given a fine.

Can a 13 year old drop out of school UK?

Under previous legislation it was compulsory for young people to remain in education until the age of 16. However, as a result of legislation introduced in September 2013, the law now requires that young people continue in education, employment or training until the age of 18.

Why do Brits say at university?

In British English, the use of "the" is often omitted when referring to certain institutions, such as hospital and university. This is a common feature of British English and is simply a linguistic difference between British and American English.

What is British slang for college?

Uni – One of the most popular British slang in the UK. You probably guessed it right. It means university and/or college. Fresher – This is the American equivalent of Freshman, which means a first-year student.

How long is uni in UK?

Most undergraduate courses in the UK last for three or four years. However, there are many shorter, accelerated undergraduate courses that take just one or two years to complete.