Is the educational system in England really all that different? That depends more on where you are located when reading this than anything, really, but more likely than not you’ll recognize aspects of England’s educational system within your own. Being one of the older nations, and also having been an historic empirical power, England has, over the centuries and decades, spread its culture and educational influence far and wide. Vestiges, if not down-right copies of England’s basic system of education exist in nations all over the world. Still, there are likely pieces of English educational history and structure you’re bound not to know (unless, of course, you’re located in England or part of the United Kingdom). So here they are:
7 Interesting Facts About England’s Educational System You (Probably) Didn’t Know
English children are required, by law, to be educated between the ages of 5 and 16. The detail to note is that education is required, but not necessarily formal schooling in the traditional sense. Home-schooling is an accepted alternative in England.
School years are divided into three to six terms. Three terms per year were the former traditional school calendar, and some schools still adhere to that schedule. Most now, however, follow a six-term schedule of September to October (with a one-week vacation at the end of October), October to December (with a 2-week Christmas vacation), January to February (one-week vacation mid-February), February to March (and a 2-week spring vacation), April to May (one week holiday at the end of May), and June to July (with then a 6-week summer vacation).
Children typically start school at the age of four or five, similar to many nations, including the United States. Many schools are now also including a “reception” year for four year old students.
Primary schools in England end at about the age of 11. Children then move on to Secondary schools from ages 12 to 16 or 18. Current policy is expected to phase in by the year 2015 which will make education compulsory until the age of 18 for all English students.
At about age 16 (or within that year as it falls in the school term), students are administered the General Certificate of Secondary Education, or GCSE. After successful completion of the exam, students may leave school, or may choose to continue on to either a technical school or two voluntary years of continued study at the secondary level.
Students who wish to attend University stay and study for the extra two years, then take a second exam, known as “A Level” exams, for admission into higher learning institutions.
Determination for University admission is based on successful A Level exams.
There is a lot more to know about England’s educational system, of course, but these 7 fast and fun facts cover the basics of the system – basics you probably recognize, but they may still feel somewhat foreign for all their similarities.
