UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

The Department for Education is the government department responsible for issues affecting people in England up to the age of 19, including education. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is the government department responsible for higher education in England. Across the UK there are five stages of education:

EARLY YEARS PRIMARY SECONDARY FURTHER EDUCATION (FE) HIGHER EDUCATION (HE)

UK EDUCATION SYSTEM

The Department for Education is the government department responsible for issues affecting people in England up to the age of 19, including education. The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills is the government department responsible for higher education in England. Across the UK there are five stages of education:

EARLY YEARS PRIMARY SECONDARY FURTHER EDUCATION (FE) HIGHER EDUCATION (HE)
COMPULSORY EDUCATION

Children who are between the ages of 3 and 5 attend nursery or an Early Years Foundation Stage reception unit within a primary school. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 attend primary school. secondary school is attended by those aged between 11 and 16. After finishing the compulsory stage, students take GCSE examinations. Students may then opt to continue into further education for two years. Further education colleges (particularly sixth form colleges) often form part of a secondary school site.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Further Education is non-advance education. FE in the United Kingdom therefore includes education for people over 16, usually excluding universities. It is primarily taught in FE colleges, work-based learning, and adult and community learning institutions. This includes post-16 courses similar to those taught at schools and subdegree courses similar to those taught at higher education (HE) colleges (which also teach degree-level courses) and at some universities.
AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications are the traditional academic qualifications offered by schools and colleges. Many students take AS and A level qualifications in years 12 and 13 after completing their GCSEs, though adults can take them too. Students can choose from a wide range of academic subjects, as well as some work-related subjects. The primary purpose of A levels is to prepare students for degree-level study; over 80% of students with 2 or more A levels go on to higher education. The A level normally takes two years to complete full-time, although they're also available to study parttime.
A-level examinations are sat by a large number of further education students, and often form the basis of an application to university.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher education students normally attend university from age 18 onwards, where they study for an academic degree. There are over 90 universities in England, all but one of which are public institutions. Students are generally entitled to student loans to cover the cost of tuition fees and living costs. The first degree offered to undergraduates is the Bachelor's degree, which usually takes three years to complete.
Students are then able to work towards a postgraduate degree, which usually takes one year, or towards a doctorate, which takes three or more years. Since the establishment of Bedford College (London),Girton College (Cambridge) and Somerville College (Oxford) in the 19th century, women also can obtain a university degree. England's universities include some of the highest-ranked universities in the world; University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London and King's College London are all ranked in the global top 30 in the 2018 QS World University Rankings.
The London School of Economics has been described as the world's leading social science institution for both teaching and research. The London Business School is considered one of the world's leading business schools and in 2010 its MBA program was ranked best in the world by the Financial Times.[236] Academic degrees in England are usually split into classes: first class (1st), upper second class (2:1), lower second class (2:2), third (3rd), and unclassified. The King's School, Canterbury and King's School, Rochester are the oldest schools in the English-speaking world. Many of England's most well-known schools, such as Winchester College, Eton, St Paul's School, Harrow School and Rugby School are fee-paying institutions.
England's universities include some of the highest-ranked universities in the world; University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London and King's College London are all ranked in the global top 30 in the 2018 QS World University Rankings. The London School of Economics has been described as the world's leading social science institution for both teaching and research. The London Business School is considered one of the world's leading business schools and in 2010 its MBA program was ranked best in the world by the Financial Times. Academic degrees in England are usually split into classes: first class (1st), upper second class (2:1), lower second class (2:2), third (3rd), and unclassified.
A levels are made up of the AS level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A level grade. The AS level is taken at the end of the first year of an A level course and can be either a free standing qualification in its own right, or make up the first half of a full A level. At the end of the AS year, students can choose to continue to the second year to complete the full A level or not. In year two of a full A level, students take the A2 which is designed to deepen the knowledge gained during the AS level.

COMPULSORY EDUCATION

Children who are between the ages of 3 and 5 attend nursery or an Early Years Foundation Stage reception unit within a primary school. Children between the ages of 5 and 11 attend primary school. secondary school is attended by those aged between 11 and 16. After finishing the compulsory stage, students take GCSE examinations. Students may then opt to continue into further education for two years. Further education colleges (particularly sixth form colleges) often form part of a secondary school site.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Further Education is non-advance education. FE in the United Kingdom therefore includes education for people over 16, usually excluding universities. It is primarily taught in FE colleges, work-based learning, and adult and community learning institutions. This includes post-16 courses similar to those taught at schools and subdegree courses similar to those taught at higher education (HE) colleges (which also teach degree-level courses) and at some universities.
AS (Advanced Subsidiary) and A (Advanced) level qualifications are the traditional academic qualifications offered by schools and colleges. Many students take AS and A level qualifications in years 12 and 13 after completing their GCSEs, though adults can take them too. Students can choose from a wide range of academic subjects, as well as some work-related subjects. The primary purpose of A levels is to prepare students for degree-level study; over 80% of students with 2 or more A levels go on to higher education. The A level normally takes two years to complete full-time, although they're also available to study parttime.
A-level examinations are sat by a large number of further education students, and often form the basis of an application to university.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Higher education students normally attend university from age 18 onwards, where they study for an academic degree. There are over 90 universities in England, all but one of which are public institutions. Students are generally entitled to student loans to cover the cost of tuition fees and living costs. The first degree offered to undergraduates is the Bachelor's degree, which usually takes three years to complete.
Students are then able to work towards a postgraduate degree, which usually takes one year, or towards a doctorate, which takes three or more years. Since the establishment of Bedford College (London),Girton College (Cambridge) and Somerville College (Oxford) in the 19th century, women also can obtain a university degree. England's universities include some of the highest-ranked universities in the world; University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London and King's College London are all ranked in the global top 30 in the 2018 QS World University Rankings.
The London School of Economics has been described as the world's leading social science institution for both teaching and research. The London Business School is considered one of the world's leading business schools and in 2010 its MBA program was ranked best in the world by the Financial Times.[236] Academic degrees in England are usually split into classes: first class (1st), upper second class (2:1), lower second class (2:2), third (3rd), and unclassified. The King's School, Canterbury and King's School, Rochester are the oldest schools in the English-speaking world. Many of England's most well-known schools, such as Winchester College, Eton, St Paul's School, Harrow School and Rugby School are fee-paying institutions.
England's universities include some of the highest-ranked universities in the world; University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Imperial College London, University College London and King's College London are all ranked in the global top 30 in the 2018 QS World University Rankings. The London School of Economics has been described as the world's leading social science institution for both teaching and research. The London Business School is considered one of the world's leading business schools and in 2010 its MBA program was ranked best in the world by the Financial Times. Academic degrees in England are usually split into classes: first class (1st), upper second class (2:1), lower second class (2:2), third (3rd), and unclassified.
A levels are made up of the AS level and the A2. Each part makes up 50 per cent of the overall A level grade. The AS level is taken at the end of the first year of an A level course and can be either a free standing qualification in its own right, or make up the first half of a full A level. At the end of the AS year, students can choose to continue to the second year to complete the full A level or not. In year two of a full A level, students take the A2 which is designed to deepen the knowledge gained during the AS level.

THE QUALITY OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

The UK is one of the world’s most popular destinations to study higher education, with more than 500,000 international students enrolling each year. One of the world’s leading destinations for international students, second only to the USA. UK universities are among the best in the world, and consistently perform well in world rankings. They also have a reputation for world-class research.
UK higher education degrees and qualifications are recognised by employers and academics worldwide. Students get the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, critical thinking, and connections to drive forward their careers. High quality postgraduate study opportunities are also available at the majority of UK universities, with some universities offering sponsorship to extend Tier 4 visas.

WHY CHOOSE HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE UK?

Going to university in the UK is a great way to expand your knowledge, meet new people, experience a new culture, and enjoy new experiences. You’ll get plenty of support at university, and a chance to experience a great student lifestyle. Whatever your interests, there's a huge range of clubs and societies, as well as a diverse social life on offer. Choose from over 50,000 courses, in more than 25 subject areas. UK courses are generally shorter than other countries, helping to reduce overall tuition fees and accommodation costs.
It can be possible to work while you study too – find out more from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) The UK has a multicultural society, with a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and faiths. You’ll find widely varied cuisine, strong transport links, famous music festivals, and international sporting championships.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STUDYING IN THE UK

There are more than 395 universities and colleges, offering over 50,000 undergraduate-level higher education courses across the UK. UK higher education applications are made through UCAS. There are different deadlines for applying for different courses, and to different universities – take a look at the key dates and deadlines relevant to courses you’re interested in. You will need to pay tuition fees – these vary depending on the uni or college and course you choose. You may be able to get financial help with your tuition fees, or a scholarship. However, EU students are not subject to tuition fees in Scotland.

The amount of money you will need to cover living costs will vary based on where you study. London and other large cities tend to be more expensive. Many international students need to apply for a visa to study in the UK, and there are work permit restrictions and some English language qualifications you may need. Universities advise all applicants what standard of English is required for their courses. Most course providers will ask you to demonstrate proficiency in English, or to take an approved English language test if English is not your first language. First year students tend to live in the university halls of residence

THE QUALITY OF THE EDUCATION SYSTEM

The UK is one of the world’s most popular destinations to study higher education, with more than 500,000 international students enrolling each year. One of the world’s leading destinations for international students, second only to the USA. UK universities are among the best in the world, and consistently perform well in world rankings. They also have a reputation for world-class research.
UK higher education degrees and qualifications are recognised by employers and academics worldwide. Students get the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, critical thinking, and connections to drive forward their careers. High quality postgraduate study opportunities are also available at the majority of UK universities, with some universities offering sponsorship to extend Tier 4 visas.

WHY CHOOSE HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE UK?

Going to university in the UK is a great way to expand your knowledge, meet new people, experience a new culture, and enjoy new experiences. You’ll get plenty of support at university, and a chance to experience a great student lifestyle. Whatever your interests, there's a huge range of clubs and societies, as well as a diverse social life on offer. Choose from over 50,000 courses, in more than 25 subject areas. UK courses are generally shorter than other countries, helping to reduce overall tuition fees and accommodation costs.
It can be possible to work while you study too – find out more from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) and the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) The UK has a multicultural society, with a rich diversity of cultures, languages, and faiths. You’ll find widely varied cuisine, strong transport links, famous music festivals, and international sporting championships.

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT STUDYING IN THE UK

There are more than 395 universities and colleges, offering over 50,000 undergraduate-level higher education courses across the UK. UK higher education applications are made through UCAS. There are different deadlines for applying for different courses, and to different universities – take a look at the key dates and deadlines relevant to courses you’re interested in.
You will need to pay tuition fees – these vary depending on the uni or college and course you choose. You may be able to get financial help with your tuition fees, or a scholarship. However, EU students are not subject to tuition fees in Scotland. The amount of money you will need to cover living costs will vary based on where you study. London and other large cities tend to be more expensive.
Many international students need to apply for a visa to study in the UK, and there are work permit restrictions and some English language qualifications you may need. Universities advise all applicants what standard of English is required for their courses. Most course providers will ask you to demonstrate proficiency in English, or to take an approved English language test if English is not your first language. First year students tend to live in the university halls of residence