How does the school year work in the UK?

The English school year runs from early September to mid or late July. Most schools divide the year into three terms, each term divided into half terms: Autumn term runs from early September to mid December (half term ends in late October). Spring Term runs from early January to Easter (half term ends in mid February).

How long is a school year in the UK?

In England, local authority maintained schools must open for at least 380 sessions (190 days) during a school year. The Government expects that, where not already doing so, state-funded mainstream schools should deliver a school week of at least 32.5 hours by September 2024.

What is Year 1 in UK school?

In schools in England, Year 1 is for children 5-6 years old. Leaving Reception behind and moving into Year 1 can feel like a big step for both children and their parents, but a good school will make the transition an easy one.

Is Education in the UK free?

It is free of charge. Primary and secondary education is not affected by the immigration status of the child or parent. Your child can go to school, even if you have an immigration status with the 'no recourse to public funds (NRPF)' condition, or you are undocumented.

What is Year 9 in UK?

Year 9 is an educational year group in schools in many countries including England and Wales, Australia and New Zealand. It is the tenth or eleventh year of compulsory education. Children in this year are generally between 13 and 14, with it being mostly equivalent to Eighth grade in the United States.

The UK Education System - What You Need To Know

What are secondary schools called in England?

The first thing to note is that in most parts of the UK, high school is referred to as secondary school. The term high school is more frequently used in Scotland, which is where the term originates.

What is college called in England?

For starters, it's 'university'

In the UK, higher education (what Americans call "college") is known as “university.” “College” actually has another meaning in the UK — it's where many students go for two years after completing compulsory schooling at 16 in order to prepare for exams to get into university.

What is middle school called in the UK?

Y1–6 would be Primary School, whilst Y7–11 would be Secondary School. Middle school is typically from “6th Grade” to “8th Grade”. Secondary School is made up of Key Stage 3 and 4. In the UK, this is the equivalent of Key Stage 3 (Years 7–9).

How long is summer break in UK?

Summer holidays in the UK typically last for around 6 weeks, though this can differ from school to school, and district to district. Make sure you check with your child's school for the exact dates.

Do schools in England have summer break?

In England and Wales, the state schools generally break up in the middle of July (second or sometimes third week) and go back early in September.

Is UK education better than USA?

The UK is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities that rank higher than US institutions. In the 2024 QS World University Rankings, four UK universities feature in the top 10, compared to four from the US.

What is year 7 in america?

Year 7 is an educational year group in schools in many countries including England, Wales, Australia and New Zealand. It is the seventh full year (or eighth in Australia and England) of compulsory education and is roughly equivalent to grade 6 in the United States and Canada (or to grade 7 for the Australian Year 7).

What is year 2 in america?

Second grade (also 2nd Grade or Grade 2) is the second year of formal or compulsory education.

Is university free in the UK for citizens?

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 age do you go to high school UK?

A Guide to the UK School system

Most children who follow the state education system (funded by the UK government) complete 7 years of Primary school education at a Primary school, before moving to a Secondary school. The Secondary school covers education from ages 11-18.

Why is everything in the UK so expensive?

While global factors were the original drivers of high inflation, price rises in many areas of the domestic economy have also accelerated. This is partly due to strong pay growth, with labour costs making up a large share of costs for many firms, particularly in the services sectors.

Do British people start college at 16?

Universities in the UK are for grown-up students, not places for children, and normally it is just not allowed. Children (people under 18) go to “Sixth form colleges” for 2 years in order to take A levels which are the usual entry requirements to university.

Do people in England go to college at 16?

Students over 16 typically study in the sixth form of a school (sixth form is a historical term for Years 12–13), in a separate sixth form college or further education college. Courses at FE colleges (referred to as further education courses) can also be studied by adults over 18.

Do people in the UK go to college at 16?

Details. 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 ).