School education in the UK is short. English education system

Particularly well represented in the UK elite education system.

High-ranking families from different countries of the world are trying to place their children in prestigious British schools or universities, since studying there guarantees not only deep knowledge, but the acquisition of secular manners, British style of behavior and broad connections in the world of business and politics.

British system flexible enough. Among the many different training courses, you can always find exactly the one that suits you, and, if desired, the selected subjects can be changed.

Regardless of age, nationality and religion, anyone who successfully passes the entrance tests can study at educational institutions in the UK (you must pass the international exam in English, documents from the school, sometimes take the test of the educational institution)

Secondary education

Modern education system in the UK consists of four stages: Elementary School, Secondary School, Professional or Post-secondary (Further Education) and Higher Education.

Preschool education takes place in kindergartens and preschool classes. Primary education is received by children from 5 to 11-12 years old. From 5 years old, children attend two-year schools for toddlers (pre-preparatory school), from 7 to 11 years old - primary schools (primary, elementary or preparatory school). At the age of 11-12, the stage of secondary education begins for children.

The UK has public and private schools... All schools adhere to the same educational minimum. The law introduced compulsory free secondary education for schoolchildren under 16 years of age.

School graduates take final exams and receive GCSE secondary education certificate(General Certificate of Secondary Education). This certificate is sufficient to start an independent labor activity, but does not give the right to enter higher education institutions.

State Schools- free, intended for teaching English children, as well as for foreigners from 8 to 18 years old, whose parents have the right to permanently reside in the UK.

International Colleges- secondary educational institutions that only accept foreign students from 14 to 18 years old. Accommodation is offered both in student dormitories (on the school grounds) and in host families.

IN international colleges teaching is conducted in accordance with the British high school system. Subjects taught: Mathematics, Physics, Algebra and Geometry, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Human Anatomy, Sociology, Political Science, Fundamentals of Legislation, Statistics, History, Music, Fine Arts, Computers and Programming, English, English Literature, Fundamentals of Religion, One or several foreign languages ​​(French, German, Spanish, etc.).

In addition to the basic subjects, each school has additional subjects, such as Latin, accounting, business fundamentals, economics and some others.

International colleges along with school programs, they offer preparatory programs (Foundation) for applicants to universities. Upon successful completion, graduates are admitted to universities with which there is an agreement to recognize the status of these courses. For foreigners wishing to pursue higher education in the UK, this is a very convenient opportunity.

The main condition for admission to a British university is the presence international certificate for English language.

A year of study in preparatory courses - good practice and preparation for independent study in English at the university, and, in addition, the opportunity to prepare and pass the required language exam.

Private schools (Independent Schools)- a more prestigious form of education, mainly for English children (85%). The percentage of foreign students should be no more than 15%. Children from 8 to 18 years old study in such schools.

Good private schools are independent, well-equipped educational institutions that own about several hundred hectares of land, on the territory of which educational buildings, sports facilities, a swimming pool, and residences are located. Accommodation is mainly in residence, but some schools offer local homestay accommodation.

Public and private boarding schools generally have a good reputation, long history and tradition.

Professional education

In addition to schools in Britain, there are Tertiary colleges offering professional (Vocational) education and are an alternative to A Level programs.

Professional education obtained from Tertiary College suggests a professional career after graduation, while A Level programs prepare for university admission.

Educational programs are constantly changing. The qualifications awarded at the end of these programs are also changing. Below are the most common professional qualifications.

NVQ (National Vocational Qualification).

This qualification is for practical work. It confirms the ability of a graduate to perform a certain job in a particular area of ​​business or production. NVQ standards are based on the actual requirements of employers and reflect their practical needs.

Currently, NVQ qualifications are available in most industrial and commercial areas. There are 5 levels of NVQ ranging from Foundation Skills (NVQ 1) to Professional (NVQ 5). In order to obtain a qualification, it is necessary to demonstrate in practice the ability to perform work in accordance with established standards.

The training takes place directly at the workplace. The training program consists of separate modules that can be learned independently. There is no set training period during which the program must be completed.

GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification).

Unlike A Levels, it is suitable for those who are inclined to practical activities. GNVQ, like NVQ, is a multi-level qualification that provides a foundation of knowledge in a chosen field that a student can use to continue their studies at colleges of further education, university admission (GNVQ Advanced) or employment. The Advanced level requires nearly two years of study to complete.

ND (National Diploma).

This qualification is similar to the GNVQ Advanced qualification. Colleges of Further Education (Colleges of Further Education) allow you to take a further education program, culminating in exams and the issuance of a Higher National Diploma (HND).

HND can be obtained after two years of study in virtually any academic or professional specialization.

In the field of vocational education, the most highly valued and recognized are the diplomas issued by one of the three main examination committees: the CGLI diploma (City & Guilds of London Institute), the RSA diploma (Royal Society of Arts), the BTEC diploma (Business and Technical Education Council). Many colleges are authorized to issue diplomas on behalf of one of these examination committees.

Other educational institutions issue either their own diplomas and certificates, or diplomas from other examination committees. The HND diploma is of the greatest importance for those who are going to immediately engage in professional activity by receiving a bachelor's degree.

From the point of view of a professional career, this diploma allows you to move up the career ladder within the middle technical or junior management staff of a firm, enterprise, institution.

HND Diploma allows you to enter the university for one of the programs leading to a bachelor's degree, and get a degree in just two years.

Admission to HND programs requires a GCE / A Level, GNVQ Advanced, or National Diploma.

The definition of Further Education in the UK refers to vocational education not leading to a degree or its equivalent. The definition of "higher education" in the UK refers to programs whose purpose is to award a Degree: Bachelor Degree, Master Degree or Doctoral or PhD Degree.

Higher education

In England and Wales, it takes three years of study to complete a bachelor's degree; in Scotland, four. In the case when not only study, but also industrial practice (Sandwich courses) is required to obtain a certain degree, the total period will be correspondingly lengthened.

At some universities and colleges, students who intend to pursue a degree in some specific field, such as art and design, are required to first complete a basic course and then study in the chosen field for three years.

Training course ending with a bachelor's degree in fields such as medicine, dentistry and architecture, usually lasts up to seven years.

Bachelor Degree... There are several variations of the Bachelor's Degree awarded in the UK. Their name depends on the specialization. The four main degrees are BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSC (Bachelor of Science), BENG (Bachelor of Engineering), LLB (Bachelor of Law). There is also a Bachelor of Medicine and Dentistry.

A bachelor's degree is awarded after three or four years of specialized programs in a full-time university or college. The British Bachelor's degree is recognized all over the world, which gives high chances for a successful professional career in any country. Bachelor Degree is the first stage of higher education. The second stage is Master Degree.

Postgraduate Courses... This level of education begins after completing a bachelor's degree and leads to master's and doctoral degrees.

Master Degree... There are two types of programs: research-oriented programs and professional development programs in one of the specializations.

As a rule, master's programs consist of a course of lectures and seminars, exams are taken, then students make a diploma project. Based on the results of exams and the defense of the thesis, a master's degree is awarded.

A research master's degree (Research) is called M.Phil's master of philosophy (Master of Philosophy). This degree is obtained after 1-2 years of independent scientific work under the supervision of a supervisor. Based on the results of this work, a master's degree is awarded.

Doctor's degree (Ph.D. - Doctoral or PhD Degree)... In the UK, most doctoral programs are purely research projects. No lectures or training seminars are usually given.

The scientific adviser, in the laboratory or department of which the student is preparing for the doctoral degree, determines the topic of scientific research for the student and provides the necessary research opportunities (workplace, equipment and materials).

It takes 2-3 years to complete a research program. By the end of this period, the student must publish the results obtained in official reports, in scientific or specialized journals and write a dissertation based on published materials. A doctorate degree is awarded after successfully defending a thesis.

TEN- a group (association) of independent British schools with a very high reputation, operating in the educational services market for over 30 years.

The Association was founded in 2010 to carry out joint marketing activities and exchange experience, which improves the quality of work of school staff with foreign students.

TEN member schools are located in ten different UK cities: London, Cambridge, Eastbourne, Brighton, Bournemouth, Torquay, Bristol, Oxford and Chester.

BEET Language Center- a small "chamber" school, founded in 1979, located in the city of Bournemouth. Highly qualified teaching staff ensures the quality of teaching. On the basis of the school, a center for the training of teachers of English as a foreign language was created. www.beet.co.uk

Cambridge Academy of English- the school was founded in 1975, located on the outskirts of the city of Cambridge, offers high-quality English programs for foreign students, specialized programs such as English + business, English + law, academic English (preparation for the university).

In the summer, on the basis of private boarding schools Moreton Hall and Princes Helena College offers interesting and high-quality programs for students from 9 to 17 years old. www.cabridgeacademy.co.uk

Eastbourne School of English is one of the oldest language schools in Great Britain, founded in 1936. Located in the heart of the resort town of Eastbourne, where there are many restaurants, cafes, three theaters, a cinema and a lot of greenery. It accepts foreign students over 18 years of age all year round. The school is a center for the training of teachers of English as a foreign language. www.esoe.co.uk

Excel English- the school offers quality programs for students accredited by the British Council, and the combination of professional teachers and excellent technical equipment allows students to master the material in the shortest possible time.

Here you can see modernized classrooms, the combination of green and yellow has a positive effect on the psychological state of students and the assimilation of the material. The school is located in one of London's expensive dormitory areas, where there are gardens in which to relax after school. www.excelenlish.co.uk

English in Chester School founded in 1976 as a medium-sized private school, of which there are many in the UK. As a rule, this is a family business that guarantees you quality in everything, from study and accommodation to interesting leisure. The reason for this is the desire of the owners that you like it and you would like to return.

It has a wonderful habitat, good ethnic composition. At the same time, students from Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, France, North Korea, Czech Republic and Russia study here. www.english-in-chester.co.uk

Oxford English Center- the school was founded in 1979, located in an old building in the heart of Oxford, not far from university colleges, well equipped (interactive whiteboards in classrooms), is an authorized TOEIC, BULATS (business) admission center. Here students can study General English and English for professional purposes. www.oxfordenglish.co.uk

The English Language Center, Brighton- the school was founded in 1962 as an independent educational institution. 2012 marks the 50th anniversary of its foundation. Located in an old building of the Victorian era in the resort white-stone Brighton, on the coast.

Offers quality programs for adult students throughout the year, is an Authorized TOEIC BULATS Admission Center. www.elc-brighton.co.uk

The English Language Center, Bristol is a small family school located in two historic buildings near Clifton University in Bristol. Beautiful bright classrooms, a well-equipped computer laboratory enable students to master the material well.

The school offers a wide variety of English language programs for international students. Provides an individual approach to each student. www.elcbristol.co.uk

Torquay International School, Torquay- the school has existed for 40 years, located in the wonderful seaside town of the same name on the British Riviera in Devon. Accepts students from the age of 16. She pays special attention to teaching English for professional purposes, including business English, English for financial professionals.

Organizes an interesting program of active activities in the afternoon. Provides an individual approach to each student. www.tisenglish.co.uk

Wimbledon School of English- a small building in one of London's districts - Wimbledon, surrounded by a wonderful garden, 5 minutes walk from Wimbledon station.

The technical equipment (interactive whiteboards in almost every classroom), combined with highly qualified teachers, ensures a high result when moving from level to level.

Offers English for professionals, preparation for international English exams, courses for teachers.

UK education system has evolved over the centuries and is now subject to strict quality standards.

The UK education system, like all English, is considered the benchmark for quality.

At least the educational systems of other countries are constantly being compared with the British. It took shape many centuries ago, and during this time it has not undergone major changes. Distinctive features of British schools, for example, are "iron" discipline, classical teaching methods, a streamlined educational process, a versatile program to prepare students for life in the business world and society.

The system of elite education is especially well represented in the UK. High-ranking families from different countries of the world are trying to place their children in prestigious British schools or universities, since studying there guarantees not only deep knowledge, but the acquisition of secular manners, British style of behavior and broad connections in the world of business and politics.

The British system is flexible enough. Among the many different training courses, you can always find exactly the one that suits you, and, if desired, the selected subjects can be changed. Regardless of age, nationality and religion, anyone who successfully passes the entrance tests can study at educational institutions in the UK (you must pass the international exam in English, documents from the school, sometimes take the test of the educational institution)

There are two sectors of education: public (free education) and private (paid educational institutions, private schools). There are two educational systems in the UK that fit together easily: one in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, the other in Scotland

Diagram of the education system

In the UK (as in other English speaking countries) letter grades are used in reports.

Grading Scale

• A> 80% (excellent)
• B> 70% (very good)
• C> 60% (improvement needed)
• D> 50% (close fail)
• E> 40% (fail)
• F< 40% (fail)

In general, only grades A to C are a `pass`. Still, in the UK no student has to repeat a year - weak students can take extra lessons at school.

Types of schools

There is a huge variety of schools in the UK. Different reference books, the Internet, magazine and newspaper articles may use different criteria to classify schools. A common type of school in the UK is Boarding Schools, where students both study and live at the school. The first boarding schools appeared in Britain in the early Middle Ages, mainly in monasteries. In the XII century, the Pope ordered all Benedictine monasteries to open charitable schools at the monasteries. Somewhat later, fees began to be charged for education in such schools. Although aristocratic families preferred home schooling to monastery schools, over time the belief spread that adolescents, regardless of social background, would benefit from studying with their peers. This belief has become the foundation for the organization and development of privileged boarding schools, among which there are those that nurture, educate and shape the elite of modern British society for more than a thousand years. The list of the most expensive and prestigious schools in the world includes British boarding schools.

Classification of schools by age of students:

Full cycle schools - where children of all ages from 2 to 17 years old study.

Preschool educational institutions- they are also called creches and kindergartens, for children from 2 to 7 years old. Here they teach to read, write, count, develop through games. Typically, these schools are organized in conjunction with schools for younger students. - the age of pupils is from 2 years 9 months to 4 years.

Institutions for younger students (Junior Schools)- for children from 7 to 13 years old. Here, children undergo a special initial general training cycle in various subjects, which ends with the Common Entrance Examination exam. Successful passing of such an exam is a prerequisite for admission to high school. (Primary schools - the age of students from 4 to 11 years old. SATs exams What are SATs are conducted in 2 stages, in the second and sixth years of study. The results of the second exam are important for admission to the Secondary School.)

Institutions for older students (Senior Schools)- for teenagers from 13 to 18 years old. Here, children first undergo a two-year training for passing the GCSE exams, followed by another two-year program: A-Level or International Baccalaureate. (Secondary school - education for children from the age of 11. Grammar school - education for children from the age of 11 on an advanced program. In the same schools, you can get preparation for the university (Sixth Form).

University Preparation Schools (Sixth Form)- for older adolescents 16-18 years old.

Classification of schools by gender of students:

Mixed schools- where both boys and girls study together. There are many supporters of collaborative learning who argue their position with the following statements:

Children from an early age learn to communicate and cooperate with members of the opposite sex.

Members of the opposite sex stimulate ambition and increase motivation for self-development.

Schools for girls - where only girls study. The arguments in favor of educating girls separately are as follows:

Girls develop physically and emotionally a little faster than boys, and in them they do not have to adapt to the "lagging" classmates.

Girls tend to be more self-organized and better disciplined, and girls' teams are better organized and focused on learning.

... "Amorous affairs" do not distract from study.

Girls grow up independent and do not expect that someone will do “non-female work” for them.

The competitive environment attracts little and sometimes even oppresses girls, who value support and teamwork much more.

Boys' schools - where only boys study. There are also many arguments in favor of teaching boys separately:

Boys are naturally more mobile and active, and they need a lot of movement, sports and outdoor games for normal development.

Boys have slightly different criteria for success than girls (not obedience, but leadership, not "smoothing out sharp corners", but audacity, etc.).

Boys need a competitive environment for self-expression and active development.

Boys from childhood learn to easily cope with "non-male work" and become self-sufficient and independent.

Preschool education

Preschool education can be obtained in both public and private educational institutions. Often, parents send their children to a nursery at the age of 3-4 years.

Preparatory education

In private schools, children from the age of 5 are admitted to preparatory (or primary) classes. Foreign students enter school at the age of 7, and at the age of 11-13 they are immediately transferred to the middle classes of the same private school.

Primary school education

Most British children enter public primary schools at age 5 and then transfer to secondary education at the same school or college at age 11.

Secondary school education

The modern education system in the UK consists of four levels: Elementary School, Secondary School, Professional or Post-secondary (Further Education) and Higher Education. Preschool education takes place in kindergartens and preschool classes. Primary education is received by children from 5 to 11-12 years old. From 5 years old, children attend two-year schools for toddlers (pre-preparatory school), from 7 to 11 years old - primary schools (primary, elementary or preparatory school). At the age of 11-12, the stage of secondary education begins for children.

There are public and private schools in the UK. All schools adhere to the same educational minimum. The law introduced compulsory free secondary education for schoolchildren under 16 years of age. School graduates take final exams and receive a GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) certificate. This certificate is sufficient to start an independent labor activity, but does not give the right to enter higher education institutions.

Public schools (State Schools) - free, designed to educate English children, as well as for foreigners from 8 to 18 years old, whose parents have the right to permanent residence in the UK. International Colleges (International Colleges) - secondary educational institutions that accept only foreign students from 14 to 18 years old. Accommodation is offered both in student dormitories (on the school grounds) and in host families.

In international colleges, education is conducted in accordance with the British high school system. Subjects taught: Mathematics, Physics, Algebra and Geometry, Chemistry, Biology, Geography, Human Anatomy, Sociology, Political Science, Fundamentals of Legislation, Statistics, History, Music, Fine Arts, Computers and Programming, English, English Literature, Fundamentals of Religion, One or several foreign languages ​​(French, German, Spanish, etc.). In addition to the basic subjects, each school has additional subjects, such as Latin, accounting, business fundamentals, economics and some others.

International colleges, along with school programs, offer preparatory programs (Foundation) for university applicants. Upon successful completion, graduates are admitted to universities with which there is an agreement to recognize the status of these courses. For foreigners wishing to pursue higher education in the UK, this is a very convenient opportunity.

The main condition for admission to a British university is the availability of an international certificate in English. A year of study in preparatory courses - good practice and preparation for independent study in English at the university, and, in addition, the opportunity to prepare and pass the required language exam.

Private schools (Independent Schools) are a more prestigious form of education, mainly for English children (85%). The percentage of foreign students should be no more than 15%. Children from 8 to 18 years old study in such schools. Good private schools are independent, well-equipped educational institutions that own about several hundred hectares of land, on the territory of which educational buildings, sports facilities, a swimming pool, and residences are located. Accommodation is mainly in residence, but some schools offer local homestay accommodation.

Public and private boarding schools generally have a good reputation, long history and tradition.

Secondary education in England for children under 16 is compulsory. All public and private schools teach children from 11 to 16 years old and prepare them for the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) - a general certificate of secondary education, or GNVQ (General National Vocational Qualification) - a national certificate of professional qualification. Most international students enter British secondary schools (most often private boarding schools) between the ages of 11 and 13. The formation of a creative, self-confident, independent person is one of the main tasks of the British school. Children undergo a special general training cycle in various subjects, which ends with the Common Entrance Examination. Successful passing of such an exam is a prerequisite for admission to high school. From 14 to 16 years old, schoolchildren purposefully prepare for exams (usually in 7-9 subjects) for a certificate of secondary education - General Certificate of Secondary Education.

Education from the age of 16

At the age of 16, after completing the compulsory education cycle, students can either leave school and start working, or continue their education in order to enter the university. Those wishing to enter the university are offered a two-year A-levels course. After the first year of study, AS exams are taken, and after the second - A2-levels. The first year of study involves the compulsory study of 4-5 subjects, the second 3-4. There are no compulsory subjects required for delivery - the student selects all subjects individually from 15-20 offered by the school, thereby determining his specialization, which will be devoted to the next 3-5 years of study at the university. Often foreign students who come to study in the UK begin their education with A-levels.

Education from the age of 18

After completing a two-year A-levels course, students can pursue either vocational or higher education.

Professional education (Further education - FE) includes vocational training courses and some courses for higher education (bachelor's degrees). The term vocational education is used to refer to courses for those who dropped out of school at the age of 16. There are over 600 public and private continuing education colleges in the UK. These institutions offer a variety of study programs including English language courses, General Certificate of Secondary Education preparation programs and A-levels, professional courses.

Higher education (HE) includes programs for obtaining a bachelor's degree, postgraduate programs (master's degree, doctoral degree) and MBA. The term "higher education" refers to studies at universities, colleges and institutes that offer an academic or doctoral degree.

Tuition fees

Higher education is paid for both its citizens and foreigners. For the latter, it is more expensive. Students who are citizens of the country can study on credit, which they begin to repay only after receiving a diploma and getting a job with a minimum wage of 21 thousand pounds a year. If this does not happen, there is no need to repay the debt. Recently, more and more MPs in parliament are inclined to increase the cost of education. Such initiatives are unpopular with students.

International assessment of the quality of education

In terms of higher education, the UK traditionally ranks 2 or 3 in international university rankings

In England and Wales, it takes three years of study to complete a bachelor's degree; in Scotland, four. In the case when not only study, but also industrial practice (Sandwich courses) is required to obtain a certain degree, the total period will be correspondingly lengthened. At some universities and colleges, students who intend to pursue a degree in some specific field, such as art and design, are required to first complete a basic course and then study in the chosen field for three years.

A course leading to a bachelor's degree in fields such as medicine, dentistry and architecture usually lasts up to seven years.

Bachelor Degree. There are several variations of the Bachelor's Degree awarded in the UK. Their name depends on the specialization. The four main degrees are BA (Bachelor of Arts), BSC (Bachelor of Science), BENG (Bachelor of Engineering), LLB (Bachelor of Law). There is also a Bachelor of Medicine and Dentistry. A bachelor's degree is awarded after three or four years of specialized programs in a full-time university or college. The British Bachelor's degree is recognized all over the world, which gives high chances for a successful professional career in any country. Bachelor Degree is the first stage of higher education. The second stage is Master Degree.

Postgraduate Courses. This level of education begins after completing a bachelor's degree and leads to master's and doctoral degrees.

Master's degree (Master Degree). There are two types of programs: research-oriented programs and professional development programs in one of the specializations. As a rule, master's programs consist of a course of lectures and seminars, exams are taken, then students make a diploma project. Based on the results of exams and the defense of the thesis, a master's degree is awarded. A research master's degree (Research) is called M.Phil's master of philosophy (Master of Philosophy). This degree is obtained after 1-2 years of independent scientific work under the supervision of a supervisor. Based on the results of this work, a master's degree is awarded.

Doctoral degree (Ph.D. - Doctoral or PhD Degree). In the UK, most doctoral programs are purely research projects. No lectures or training seminars are usually given. The scientific adviser, in the laboratory or department of which the student is preparing for the doctoral degree, determines the topic of scientific research for the student and provides the necessary research opportunities (workplace, equipment and materials). It takes 2-3 years to complete a research program. By the end of this period, the student must publish the results obtained in official reports, in scientific or specialized journals and write a dissertation based on published materials. A doctorate degree is awarded after successfully defending a thesis.

International students

According to the legal requirements, children in England must attend school from 5 to 16 years old inclusive, but at the same time, many start their studies earlier (at the age of 3 years) and continue to study until the age of 18 (until they enter college or university). Nine out of ten children in the UK are enrolled in government-funded schools (these are government-funded). The rest of the children study in private schools (also called "independent" schools), while the most exclusive private schools, such as Eaton or Harrow, are called "public schools", but they should not be confused with public schools, as education in such public schools schools, of course, is not free. Schools are categorized by student age and are named slightly differently in public and private (independent) education systems. However, the overall education system in the UK consists of:

• preschool institutions (where children aged 3-4 years old study);
• primary schools (pupils are between 4 and 11 years old);
• secondary schools (students aged 11-18) and
• higher educational institutions and colleges (18+).

Most public schools, especially at the elementary level, have blended classes for both girls and boys. These schools can be either non-denominational educational institutions or belonging to one of the popular denominations (for example, Catholic schools, Anglican schools, Jewish schools, etc.). All public elementary schools are required to adhere to the requirements of the national curriculum approved by the government and prepare students for testing at various stages of education according to their age.

Any child between the ages of 5 and 16 has the right to attend a public school in the UK while his parents are in the country on a long-term visa (that is, on any visa that lasts more than 6 months - work, student, business visa, etc.) etc.). If the parents are outside the UK, children under the age of 16 can only be educated in private boarding schools.

In the independent education sector, there may be girls-only and boys-only schools, although there is an increasing trend towards blended learning. Unlike public sector schools, private schools have the right to approve their own curriculum and decide whether their students will take tests for compliance with the national curriculum. An increasing number of schools are opting against a national curriculum - which means that private school students are enrolled in much less limited and more varied programs. These programs are not overwhelmed by constant testing and are not constrained to follow a well-defined course. In addition, class sizes in private schools are usually smaller than in public primary schools - they typically have less than 15 students. Therefore, teachers can devote more time and attention to the individual needs of each student.

Private schools can be “day” schools, “five-day boarding schools” (students live at school five days a week and then go home on weekends) or “boarding schools” (in these types of schools, children go home only for the holidays) ... In most cases, the age of students in five-day boarding schools and boarding schools starts from 11 years old, but some educational institutions also accept children 7-9 years old.

The academic year is divided into three semesters (autumn, spring and summer), in the intervals between which students take a rest on vacation. English vacations are quite long between semesters (usually such vacations are called Christmas and Easter) and short ("half") in the middle of the semester. The school year begins in early September and ends in summer, and the end of the school year in public and private schools may differ. All public schools end the school year closer to July 20, but private schools have the right to decide this issue at their discretion, so they can end the school year on any day from late June to late July. It is also fairly common for private school administrators to extend their Christmas and Easter holidays, and the start and end dates for half-time private school vacations can vary from school to school.

PRESCHOOL EDUCATION - FROM 3 TO 4 YEARS

This is the age at which English children can (but do not have to) begin their early childhood education. Preschool classes are analogous to kindergarten, they emphasize group work, creative activities and thematic games. However, unlike kindergarten, a child is in such a preschool class only 3 hours a day, from nine in the morning to twelve or from twelve to three.

Public preschool education is available only for children from three years old, so a child can go to preschool class both at the beginning of the fall semester and in the spring or summer (depending on the date when he turns 3). The admission process to a public preschool class is subject to local government requirements (i.e. the region in which the child lives in England) and may vary significantly from region to region. At the same time, it should be remembered that in some parts of the UK, local authorities require you to apply for pre-school class a year before your child reaches the required age for admission. If the documents are not submitted in due time, this may be the reason that the child will not receive a place in the preschool class with a good primary school and will be put on the waiting list.

A child can start teaching in a private preschool class from the age of two, and the process of accepting documents in them can vary markedly (with some of the private schools requiring you to apply for a preschool class even before the child is born).
PRIMARY EDUCATION - FROM 4-6 TO 7-11 (13) YEARS

In the public school system, children at the age of four begin primary school. In some areas, there are still separate “children's schools” (for children from 4 to 6 years old), after which the child goes to “elementary school” (for children from 7 to 11 years old), but in most primary schools in modern England, children study from 4 to 11 years old.

A child enters kindergarten (this is the name of the first year of primary school) when he is 4 years old and if his parents submitted the corresponding application on time, that is, within 6 months before the start of the semester (education in the kindergarten usually starts every six months ). Unfortunately, getting a place for a child in a good public preschool classroom (which is usually found in elementary schools) does not guarantee that he will be able to study in the same institution in the future when it comes time for admission to elementary school. And while there are many very good public primary schools in England, the number of not so good schools, unfortunately, is even greater. Therefore, it is not surprising that all good primary schools are usually overcrowded.

Generally, in order to place a child in a public primary school of your choice, you must live as close to the school building as possible (and in any case within the neighborhood covered by the school concerned). Admission criteria may vary from school to school, so it is important to first learn about the admission rules for the specific school that the parents like. For admission to a church school, it is almost always necessary for a child to belong to the appropriate denomination and attend Sunday school at the church with which the school is associated. His parents, in turn, must attend church at least twice a month for two years before applying.

Learning between ages 4 and 6 in England is called Stage 1: children enter kindergarten at age 4, move from kindergarten to first year at age 5, and then continue at age 6 in class 2 years of study.

At the age of seven, the child begins "Stage 2" and the corresponding education: children move to the third year of school with a further annual transition to the next (respectively, 4, 5 and 6) grade. It is at this stage that some children move from children's school to elementary school, however, in most cases this process is very simple, since most of the children's schools are directly connected with the elementary schools located nearby.

This period of time is considered to be a good one for changing schools, since there are often slightly more places in elementary school than in children's school. The admission process here is generally similar to the kindergarten admission process, so it is important to live as close to the school as possible (or attend church regularly for a church school).

The equivalent of a children's school in the independent education sector is called a “pre-preparatory school” (for children from 4 to 6-8 years old), followed by a “preparatory” school (in which children study up to 11-13 years old).

The history of the word "preparatory" goes back to independent schools in England before the early 20th century, whose original goal was to prepare students for admission to public schools on a competitive basis - after successfully passing the general exam at the age of 11, 12 or 13 years. However, now the sphere of independent education in the UK has increased significantly, and today schools have become much more flexible in meeting the needs of students and their parents. Public school is commonly used to refer to the old traditional school, such as Eaton or Harrow, of which there are not many in the UK. However, today in England there are quite a large number of private schools, and the term "independent school" has become more general - today the UK independent education sector has more than 1000 "pre-kindergarten" and "preparatory" schools.

The admission process at different private schools can vary significantly.

For admission to some pre-preparatory and preparatory private schools, it is enough to simply register a child at a local educational institution (although sometimes such registration must be carried out even before the birth of a child, and for some of the most popular private schools - immediately after his conception).

Children must pass entrance exams to be admitted to other independent schools.

Less than 3 or 4 years of age most pre-kindergarten private schools will simply want to talk to the child and their parents before making an admission decision. Often, school representatives invite parents for an “interview” with the child so that the child spends half a day in a regular classroom, and the school staff observe him (you need to make sure that the child fits into the environment of children around his age).

For applicants aged 7 or 8 or older, the school may offer to take an entrance exam before considering an application for admission. In most cases, the focus is on English, but general knowledge and success in mathematics can also be assessed. There are no clear standards here, so it is necessary to inquire at the appropriate schools well in advance of admission, and exams at most good prep schools are not easy.

Eight years in general, it is traditionally considered the most appropriate moment for the transition from "pre-preparatory" to "preparatory" school. Eight years of age is also the minimum age threshold after which a child can be admitted to a boarding school.

Even though secondary school is considered the most serious stage of school education, choosing the right preparatory school is extremely important. If the child's parents have an eye on a particular high school, they will probably try to choose a preparatory school, which is a kind of "forge of personnel" for the selected high school. And the right choice by parents of high school is perhaps the most important decision in determining a child's future - not so long ago, researchers found that just five schools in England trained more students for Oxford and Cambridge in three years than nearly 2,000 other schools combined. !

Eight years old is key for those considering the option of an elite independent high school. You may be reassured that this is just a matter of test results for verbal and non-verbal logic, for which it is impossible to prepare. But the steadily growing number of books, websites, and training companies promising to pass the so-called 11+ exam (the exam that students take at the end of elementary school) demonstrates how explicitly and widely this advice is being ignored. Admission to secondary schools for boys is possible from the age of 13, but the queue should be taken from the age of ten. If Eaton, Radley and similar schools are at the top of your list, start organizing visits as soon as your child turns 8. There are both formal and informal criteria for selecting students, and it is worth considering all of them.

Ten is the ideal age to enroll a child in most other independent private high schools. At this point, both the parents and the school (if it was chosen correctly) will have a clear idea not only of what area the child is most talented in, but also of the type of environment that will be most suitable for him. To choose the right school for your child, make the most of every opportunity to familiarize yourself with the school. Open house days will help you with this - they will become a starting point and allow you to feel the spirit of the school.

Public education / public school system

Eleven years of age for most public school students becomes the stage that implies the completion of primary school and the transition to high school.

Most public secondary schools are blended, but there are also a number of public schools exclusively for boys or girls. Such schools can be both non-confessional and ecclesiastical (Catholic, Anglican, Jewish, etc.), and often it is church schools that demonstrate better learning outcomes and a much higher level of discipline. There are also a number of selective educational institutions at the secondary school level.

Essentially, all public high schools can be categorized into:

1. General education schools (admission to which is usually determined by the distance from the student's home to the school gate);
2. Partially selective general education schools (a certain percentage of students are admitted according to the results of testing and / or exam in music, sports training or drawing; the rest of the students are admitted based on the distance from home to school);
3. Gymnasiums (recruitment of students is carried out solely on the basis of test results - as a rule, in mathematics and logic (verbal and non-verbal), and sometimes an essay is included in this list);
4. Church schools (for admission to school, the child must be a believing parishioner, take part in masses with their parents for several years before enrollment).

There are also a number of public boarding schools that are funded by the government but are paid for by the parents. Enrollment in such schools is usually carried out taking into account a number of criteria, which vary depending on the specifics of the school, although in general, state boarding schools recruit students based on how much they need this form of education (and how much they correspond to it). The place of residence of the child is also important (preference is given to local students).

Unlike elementary schools, where you can find many really good institutions, finding a good high school is not an easy task. Gymnasiums are generally recognized as the best public secondary schools. Therefore, the competition for admission to gymnasiums, as a rule, is quite tough (in the most popular gymnasiums more than 10 applicants can apply for one place!) And only the most talented and capable are enrolled.

As in the public school system, at the age of 11, many students change school from “preparatory” to an independent high school (although, unlike public schools, there are quite a few schools in the private sector that offer education from 4 or 7 to 18) ...

In some schools (mainly schools in which only boys study), education begins only at the age of 13. If parents plan to send their child to one of these types of schools (often these are elite schools such as Eaton or Harrow), it is important in due time to choose the appropriate preparatory school, which will not only allow you to continue learning until the child turns 13. , but will also provide quality preparation for the general entrance exam "13+", which is considered a more serious test than the "11+" exam.

The General Entrance Exam is used to assess the knowledge of students who move from prep school to independent high school at ages 11+ and 13+. The exam is administered by an independent committee from the school board. Exam assignments are developed by examiners appointed by the school board. Answers are assessed by the independent high school that the student plans to transfer to. All students must pass compulsory exams in basic school subjects - mathematics, English, and science. In addition, most independent high schools require applicants to submit exam scores in geography, history, religion, and foreign language. Applicants for admission usually take a general examination at their school (in the UK or overseas). If the student is not a native English speaker, the student can use bilingual dictionaries during the mathematics and science or humanities exam. He also has the right to use up to 25% of extra time if he has not studied at a school with English teaching for more than 2 years.

Scholarship applicants are nominated by an independent high school (they take the appropriate exam at the selected high school). Schools set different test standards for admission. Some schools use their own test items. As a rule, the headmaster of a preparatory school (we are talking about a good preparatory school, of course) knows what to look for in order to get into a particular high school.

All the necessary information, registration forms for admission and the general curriculum for independent high schools must be obtained in advance, and it is very important not to miss the registration deadline - in some schools it can be 3 years before the exams are passed.
SECONDARY EDUCATION - FROM 14 TO 16 YEARS

The period when preparation for GCSE begins.

GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) is an academic qualification level obtained in a number of school subjects by secondary school students aged 14-16 (in England, Wales and Northern Ireland). Some students may take an exam in one or more subjects earlier or later than the generally accepted deadline (most Russian students take the Russian language exam immediately after enrolling in high school). The international version of the GCSE exam is IGCSE, this exam can be taken anywhere in the world, and it includes additional options regarding language and coursework. Some schools in the UK now prefer to use IGCSE as an alternative to GCSE, but this practice is not yet widespread and there is no evidence to suggest that any type of exam is preferred for admission to leading universities.

In secondary schools, the GCSE exam is taken in various subjects, which, as a rule, were chosen for study by the students themselves at the end of the 9th year of study. Selected subjects in the GCSE preparation program begin in year 10 (ages 14-15), although some subjects start earlier (for example, mathematics, English and science, as the programs in these subjects are too voluminous to meet in standard 2 years). The final exam is taken at the end of the 11th year of study (at the age of 15-16). The number of subjects that students study at the GCSE preparation level may vary. Usually there are from 8 to 10, but often students choose more or fewer subjects for study.

At the end of the two-year GCSE preparation course, students receive an assessment in each of the selected subjects. Passing points, from highest to lowest, are: A * (highest with honors), A, B, C, D, E, F, G; a U score indicates that the student is not qualified.

The GCSE exam is part of the national qualifications system. The GCSE scores D-G marks the 1st skill level, while the A * -C scores are the second. Unsurprisingly, students who receive level 2 (A * -C) qualifications will be more successful applicants, as most universities do not even consider any scores below C (although it should be added that even a C score is not acceptable for admission to a good university, and the best academic institutions only accept applicants with A * and A).
Pupils who fail the exam receive a U point, respectively, this subject is not included in the certificate.

• Higher, passing which you can get points A * -E, or U
• Basic, meaning C-G, or U.

In most schools, students are divided into performance groups for individual subjects, and only a few of the best performing groups study a subject in a volume that allows them to be examined at the highest level. The rest of the students follow a program that matches the basic difficulty level of the exam. Sometimes you can hear about how a capable student fell into one of the lower groups in academic performance, for example, in mathematics (because he felt bad on the day he took the aptitude test, or, which happens much more often, being a foreigner, not quite correctly understood the essence of the task). Then, during the course, he was one of the best students in the class - and at the same time, as a result, he still could not get a score higher than C (which means that the doors of the best universities are closed for him), since the tasks of the basic level of difficulty differed from the tasks of the higher level.

Accordingly, an important task for the child's parents (and for himself) is to control the level of the group in which he was assigned, and the depth of study of the subject, according to which the examination tasks will be proposed.

Public education / public school system

In public high schools, GCSE preparation is compulsory in all major subjects (i.e. math, English, science, and physical education). Also, students must study some forms of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) and social studies, although exams in these subjects are not provided.
Accordingly, virtually all students take the GCSE exam in English, mathematics and science. In addition, many schools also require students to take a course in English literature, one of the modern foreign languages, at least one subject in design and technology, religious studies (often an abbreviated, "half" course), and information and communication technology. The rest of the free part of their schedule, the students fill in according to their choice so that in total there are about 10 subjects. Abbreviated GCSE or other qualification preparation courses can be selected, although this choice is not recommended for students planning to go to university.
Independent education / private school system

Private schools are not required to comply with the national curriculum, which is compulsory for all public schools. They usually approve their own list of required GCSE subjects, which typically includes English language and literature, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, and a foreign language. Most private schools offer a wide range of CGSE preparation subjects to choose from, including a variety of foreign languages ​​(usually French, German, Spanish or more rare options such as Russian, Arabic, Latin or Greek), history, geography, computer science, religious studies, design, art, music, drama.

The beginning of preparation for GCSE is the last chance to change educational institution for a child whose parents are unhappy with the level of preparation at the school where he is studying, since a good school only in exceptional cases accepts new students in the middle of the GCSE course. Private schools differ significantly from each other, so it is very important to choose a good school for your child from the very beginning.

Currently in England, secondary education is considered compulsory until the age of 16, but many students continue their studies after reaching the minimum graduation age, preparing for the so-called "Level A" or IB (International School Baccalaureate).

Sixteen is the right age to go to college or to move from one school to another. For female students in a girls' school, this is a good time to move to a blended school. Boys can also change schools at this stage of their education, but usually the choice is about a course of study - linear or modular (such as preparation for "Level A" or IB).

Level A(“Advanced Certificate of Secondary Education”) is the highest school qualification level offered by schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The “Level A” course of study takes 2 years and is considered the standard for assessing the suitability of students for subsequent academic study at the universities of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Students who take the A-level exam receive grades A *, A, B, C, D, and E.

There is a definite difference between the "traditional" course of preparation for obtaining "Level A" (such as the study of mathematics and English) and the new, most professionally oriented course (implying in-depth study of business and media strategies, psychology, law and accounting) ... There is also a noticeable difference between linear (two-year with exams at the end) and modular courses.
The modular course consists of 4 (or 6 for natural sciences) modules, studied over 2 years. Typically, 2 modules are assessed in the first year of study and are considered a stand-alone qualification called "AS Level" (or Sub-Advanced). The remaining 2 modules are assessed at the end of the second year of study, making up "Level A2". By itself, "Level A2" is not a qualification; to confirm the full qualification of "Level A" in any subject, it is necessary to pass exams at levels AS and A2. For the assessment of knowledge by modules, examination assignments prepared by national organizations and coursework designed for internal assessment are used.

The number of exams students take to achieve "Level A" may vary. The standard course of study involves studying 4 subjects in the first year of preparation, and then studying three of them at A2 level (although some students continue to study all 4 selected subjects). Three subjects are the minimum required for university admission; some universities require AS level preparation in a fourth subject. There is no limit to the number of subjects studied, some students study 5 or more subjects at qualification level A (although this depends on the school - some schools do not allow students to study more than 4 subjects). In some schools, it is allowed to study one or more subjects in a foreign language (subject to the child's fluency in this language), as well as study the subject simultaneously in two languages ​​- English and a foreign one.

IB (International School Bachelor Preparation Program) is a two-year educational program that allows you to obtain an international qualification for admission to higher educational institutions (recognized by universities around the world). It was developed in the mid-60s in Geneva by an international group of educators. Currently, training for this program is available in English, French and Spanish. To qualify, students must attend a school that offers IB tuition. As part of the qualification, students' knowledge is assessed in 6 subjects from 6 different thematic groups. Both internal and external assessments are used and training is completed by an external examination series, usually consisting of two or three time-limited written exams. The method of internal assessment may vary depending on the subject (it can be an oral presentation, practical work or written work). In most cases, the assessment is initially done by the teacher teaching the subject in the specific classroom (later his grades are reviewed or adjusted as necessary by an independent external moderator).

Overall, the IB program was very well received. She was recognized as capable of "developing interdisciplinary thinking in students." In the UK, the Guardian newspaper declared the IBDP to be "academically more challenging and broader than the 3 or 4-subject preparation for the A qualification level." The IB program is primarily offered by private schools in the independent education sector; only one public school in the UK currently offers IB training to its students.

The correct choice of school at this age is especially important, since the student and his parents strive to choose the optimal course of study that provides the student with a wide range of choices and is most suitable for practical use.

A decision made incorrectly at this stage can have the most serious consequences for the student's further educational and career prospects. Those who aspire to admission to Oxbridge (Oxford or Cambridge) should by all means avoid (with rare exceptions) subjects whose name contains the word "research" or the ending "-gia". If he is attracted to a career in media technology, a good command of English is likely to open more doors than a less burdensome "media studies" course; and a knowledge of economics will provide a more solid foundation for entrepreneurship than a course in "business strategies". Therefore, at this stage, you should be very careful about the choice of individual items and their combinations.

At this stage, students who decide to obtain a qualifying "Level A" can either continue their studies at their school (provided that the school can provide the proper level of study of the selected subjects), or move to another school or college-lyceum.

The Lyceum College is a typically English educational institution in which students are usually trained to obtain a "Level A" qualification. There are currently over 90 colleges of this type in England and Wales. Most of them show good results, reflected in the national exam rankings. In addition, they offer a much wider range of subjects to study at a more affordable cost than most private high schools.

Almost all private schools offer their students a "Level A" or IB program, and some schools even have a choice between these qualification levels. Changing schools and choosing subjects for study is considered common practice for this stage of education, with many universities "taking note" of students from certain schools.

School education in England provides for education in schools of various types - private, public and grammatical. Moreover, each of these schools can be of a joint or separate type (boys and girls study separately). There are more than 1000 private schools in Great Britain, many of which accept children from other countries, including Russia, to study.

Features of the UK educational system

Children start studying in England at the age of 5, but some English people prefer to start teaching their children at the age of three. Education in school institutions lasts until the age of 18, after which a graduate can try to enroll in one of the.

In publicly supported schools, children study 9 out of 10 days. Private schools are practically independent from the state educational program and teach according to their own standards. Training in them is paid. Tuition fees strongly depend on the prestige of the private school. In turn, the prestige of such a school is largely determined by the annually published rating of such schools.

Also in the UK there are summer schools designed mainly for those who want to strengthen their knowledge of the English language. Naturally, mainly children from other countries study in them.

The general scheme of school education in England is as follows:
1. Institutions for preschoolers - children from 3 to 5 years old study in them.
2. Primary schools accept students between the ages of 5 and 11.
3. Secondary schools are aimed at children from 11 to 18 years old.

Education in public schools is completely free, but it is quite difficult for foreigners to get into them - mainly only if you fall under some special program for the exchange of schoolchildren, etc. Therefore, most Russian children studying in England are trained in private boarding schools. The cost of training in them is usually published on the website of the given educational institution. But in addition to tuition fees, there are also requirements for the level of knowledge, especially in terms of proficiency in English. Usually, those entering private ones first take summer courses in the study of the English language and only then they are allowed to study in such a school.

Educational institutions of the state type

In public schools in England, teaching of a mixed type prevails (boys and girls study together in groups), especially in preschool education. The older the students are, the greater the chances of getting into a separate school, but still they are much lower compared to private schools.

Some UK public schools may be religion-specific. For example, there are educational institutions in which only Catholics or only Anglicans study.

All state-type schools teach in accordance with uniform educational standards approved by the government. When moving from preschool to primary school and further to secondary school, all students take compulsory tests, based on the results of which a decision is made on their enrollment. Earlier in England there was even such an exam as "11+" - every 11-year-old student took it. The result of this exam radically influenced the fate of the child - if the results were low, then the path to "good" schools and further to universities was closed for the student. All his further education was focused on the primitive level of everyday life, and if we draw analogies with the education in the USSR at that time, then a student who passed “11+” unsatisfactorily could count on learning in the future only in something resembling a vocational school. Fortunately, in modern England there is no longer such a strict exam for 11-year-old students.

For the inhabitants of England, it is quite simple to place their child in a public school - he only needs to go through an interview. For residents of foreign countries, everything is much more complicated - the parents of such a child are in the UK on one of the long-term visas (at least six months). Well, or, as already indicated, get under some kind of student exchange program between countries. Therefore, children from other countries are usually enrolled in private English schools.

Schools in England have disciplinary action on students (for discipline offenders) - For public schools, this is usually extra homework or parenting calls. In private schools, disciplinary measures can be stricter - they say in some of the most closed and elite boarding schools in England, rod punishment is still present.

Private boarding schools

Private schools in England operate mainly as boarding schools, providing their students not only with living conditions, but also with quality food. Therefore, they are usually called so - boarding schools. These educational institutions are not guided in their work by state educational programs - they use their own educational programs. They also independently decide which tests their pupils should take at the end of the next reporting period. The most famous schools of this type in England include Badminton School, Roedean School, Harrow School, Dulwich College and Winchester College.

In private boarding schools, there is much more separation of boys and girls than in public schools. Also, such schools are usually characterized by small class sizes (no more than 12 people), which intensifies the learning process for each student.

But in addition to private boarding schools in the UK, there are also private boarding schools. The five-day boarding school assumes that the students study and live in it for 5 days, and go home on 2 days off.

The academic year in private schools is divided into 3 semesters. Quite long vacations are provided between each semester. Also, in addition to them, there are also various short vacations timed to coincide with the most significant holidays (Easter, Christmas, etc.). Unlike public educational institutions, in which the school year always ends at the end of July, private schools can set their own start and end times for the school year.

Primary education in public institutions

It is possible to send a child to primary schools in England from the age of 4, the term of study is 7 years. In some parts of the country, there are institutions like kindergartens in which children study up to 6 years old, as well as elementary schools that accept 7-year-old children with a 4-year period of study. To get to primary school, you must apply to it at least six months before the start of training.

Good primary schools are very popular in the UK, so they cannot guarantee education even if the child has attended preschool classes at that school. Therefore, in order to get into them, it is necessary to clarify in advance the number of vacancies in these institutions. Only children under the age of 11 who live in areas close to this school are admitted skip-the-line. A list of these areas is always present on the school website.

To enter a church school, a child must belong to a particular denomination and attend the Sunday church associated with that school. In addition, parents must regularly attend church services within 2 years prior to the date of application to the church school.

Private boarding schools for children up to 11 years old

In this education sector in England, education up to 7 years old is called pre-preparatory, and then from 7 to 11 years old children study in preparatory institutions. After passing the test at the age of 11, they transfer to high school. In the UK, traditional secondary schools, such as, for example, Harrow or Eton, are still preserved, but there are already few of them - they are gradually being replaced by schools of a new type.

Private boarding schools, in contrast to public institutions with approximately the same requirements for applicants, differ in terms of admission to them, as well as curricula, tuition fees, duration of vacations, and the discipline system built at school (rewards and punishments for students).

Despite the fact that tuition in the private educational sector is paid, some parents still face a shortage of places in private educational institutions. This is especially true for private boarding houses with a good reputation and a certain degree of "elitism". In some of these institutions, children begin to be enrolled from the moment they are born.

Upon admission to “scarce” private boarding schools, children pass special exams, based on the results of which the school administration decides on the child's enrollment.

Secondary education in public institutions in England

Children who have reached the age of 11 study in secondary schools in England. Secondary schools can be either blended (boys and girls study together), or separate - separate schools for boys and separate schools for girls. Church schools are usually distinguished by the most stringent procedures in terms of punishing students - there are many of them in modern England.

In addition to them, there are also so-called selective secondary schools. The complete classification of secondary public schools in Great Britain can be presented as follows:
1. Gymnasium- in them, the recruitment is based on the points received on the testing, which the child passes at the age of 11. The written essay is also taken into account. The greatest emphasis when teaching in gymnasiums is given to subjects such as mathematics and logic.
2. General education school- students are enrolled in them on the basis of territorial affiliation.
3. Denominational institution in other words, a religious school. Conditions of admission - belonging to a certain denomination and regular visits to the church.
4. General education selective school... Students are enrolled partly by territorial affiliation, partly based on the specific abilities of the child - in sports, drawing, music, etc.

There are also specialized boarding schools, where education is paid for by the state. The conditions for admission to such a boarding school are usually always present on its official website.

Getting into a good, publicly funded high school is much more difficult than getting into an elementary school. Gymnasiums are especially popular, the competition in which can reach 15 people per place. First of all, especially gifted children pass through the competition, of whom future Newtons, Turing, Rutherfords, etc. can later grow up.

Private educational sector

There are now quite a large number of private schools in England, but it is not easy to get into the best of them - almost always only by competition. Private schools are not required to comply with all educational standards in force for public schools, therefore, for example, some of them accept children not from the age of 11 (as is generally accepted for secondary schools in England), but from 13 - the duration of education is from 5 to 7 years ... To enter such a school, you need to seriously prepare - for admission you need to pass the "13+" exam, and it is much more difficult than the testing that children take at the age of 11.

Private schools tend to have a higher level of discipline than public institutions. The punishments for misconduct can be harsh, such as a pink bus ride to school for boys.

Also, private schools pay more attention to the creative and sports development of the personality of their students. Many of these institutions have compulsory golf lessons, riding clubs, tennis courts, etc. To develop students' creative skills, music, visual arts, vocals, and theater are taught.

Prestigious educational institutions of separate type

The most elite schools in England for boys include such educational institutions as Eton and Winchester. The first of them was founded in the 15th century as a charitable educational institution for children from disadvantaged families.

Now Eton includes 25 buildings, which have everything necessary for study, living and recreation of pupils. The total number of students of this college reaches 1200 people, and the cost of studying is 12 thousand pounds sterling per year. But for those trainees who receive a royal scholarship, education is free.

24.04.2018

The modern education system in England is based on its own traditions of teaching the younger generation, accumulated over the centuries. It is not just that she earned the status of a reference. As already mentioned, many educational institutions in the UK are known for their centuries-old history and are famous for the amazing quality of teaching.

At the moment, the English education system includes four main stages:

• Primary education - from 5 to 11 years;
• Secondary - from 11 to 16 years old;
• After school - from 16 to 18 years old;
• Higher education - from the age of 18.

The main stages of education in England (based on public schools):

• children 5 - 11 years old attend primary school;
• children 11 - 16 years old study in secondary school;
• at the age of 16 - 18 they receive a complete secondary education;
• at 18 - 22 students receive a bachelor's degree.

Before going to school, the child undergoes a preschool preparation course (from 3 years old), during which the emphasis is on educational issues and developmental activities, the material is presented in a playful way. Knowledge at this stage is not overloaded. The basic principle is that everything has its time.
At the age of 5, all children, without exception, without exception, begin their studies in a mandatory manner, where they study until 11.

When moving to high school, exact sciences and additional lessons are added to the basic list of subjects: geography, history, the basics of religion, art, music, foreign languages.
At the age of 16, children graduate from high school. In order to receive a diploma of secondary education, it is necessary to pass the GCSE final exam. However, this diploma does not qualify for admission to higher education institutions.

To try your hand at admission to, you need to become the owner of the A-Level certificate (with a fairly high average score), which is issued upon completion of the course in schools preparing for universities - the so-called Six Form. Training here lasts two years, during this period there is a deep immersion in the study of 4-6 selected subjects. At the end, an exam is passed, according to the results of which an A-Level certificate is issued.

The academic year in English schools is divided into terms. Holidays in the middle of the school year twice, last two weeks, are timed to the Catholic holidays - Easter and Christmas, summer holidays - six weeks. There is a short seven-day break during each trimester.

Secondary (school) education in the UK is expected to:

• Transfer of cultural experience. Schools and other educational institutions should pass on to the new generation the cultural heritage, the wisdom of previous generations, which from time immemorial are recognized as valuable and are zealously guarded by the British.
• Socialization of the younger generation. Schools are guides to accepted behaviors and the values ​​behind them. Children are aware of the social roles that they have to play in society, in the professional sphere of activity, personal, family.
• Preparation for the profession. This refers to the knowledge and skills necessary for subsequent professional activities. This includes both the academic knowledge and the practical skills required to master a particular profession.

In England there are a lot of schools for children requiring a special approach. They are visited by children with mental or physical disabilities. The program in them is simpler and focused on the characteristics of the students. Here in the process learning psychologists and physiotherapists are sure to be involved.

Many parents have a cherished dream - to send their child to study at. Pupils here, in addition to a prestigious and high level of education, receive full support. The range of subjects studied in a private school is much wider than in a state one, and the teaching staff is highly qualified and an impressive material base.

Do not forget that the school education system in Great Britain is famous for the strictest discipline, so even in a private school, where tuition is paid and costs impressive money, do not expect concessions. Students may be expelled for poor academic performance and inappropriate behavior.

The modern system of higher education in England is distinguished by its democratic character. Universities have a wide selection of different courses, from which you can choose the one that suits you, and, if necessary, even change the list of selected subjects for study.

UK universities are divided into two types:

• Collegiate (consisting of colleges. For example, the universities of Cambridge and Oxford);
• Unitary (with faculties and departments in the form of subdivisions).

The British government has completely entrusted the formation of educational policy to higher educational institutions, the state only controls the quality of teaching.

Without exception, all students of English universities have access to libraries and scientific laboratories, equipped according to modern standards. Students have the opportunity to attend various electives. Educational programs allow in the learning process to receive not one, but two academic degrees in different directions.

Popular enough in the UK and. This training format, as usual, takes place independently, but based on educational materials developed specifically for such students, as well as on periodic consultations with teachers online and by e-mail.

Historically, British education resembles a pyramid: in the early stages, training is carried out in a wide range of disciplines, later their circle is narrowed based on the choice of the students themselves, who at the age of 14 determine which exams they will take in the future.