The education system in the UK is the most recognized and standardized education system. The UK education system is globally reputed for its quality education. According to the QS world rankings, Times Higher Education Rankings, and academic rankings of world universities, UK universities always remain the top choice.
The stages of the education system in the UK
There are 5 stages of the education system in the UK. They are-
- Early years
- Primary
- Secondary
- Further Education
- Higher Education
The working method of the education system in the UK
The UK education system is assigned to four jurisdictions: England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland. These four regions have different education systems, rules and regulations, and qualifications. According to the credit frameworks and qualifications, these 4 regions have different general and secondary education systems.
The Compulsory Education System in the UK
The government of the UK is very dedicated to providing a minimum education to every citizen. According to the education system in the UK, Education is mandatory for all children from the ages of 5 ( age 4 for Northern Ireland) to 16. From age 5 to 16, every student is obliged to take education. This ageing time contains two sections of the compulsory education system in the UK. They are the primary and secondary schools.
The compulsory education system in the UK has four stages. Let’s talk about them to get more details
Key Stage 1
Pupils at the age of 5 to 7 years old are included. At this stage, the kids will introduce the basic knowledge of subjects like English, Maths, History, Geography etc. At this stage, more emphasis is given to phonics. Students have to speak 40 words aloud to the teachers. After this stage, students have to sit for the final exam. It is 2 years of schooling in years 1 and 2.
Key Stage 2
Key Stage 2 is a legal term for four years of schooling known as years 3,4,5 and 6. Students at the age of 7–11 years are in this key stage 2. This stage aims to provide more knowledge and efficiency in the core subjects. At the end of the stage, national curriculum tests will be done. Through the test, the following subject efficiency is measured: such as English, mathematics, science, mathematics, history, and physical education.
Key Stage 3
Key stage 3 includes 3 years of schooling known as years 7, 8 and 9. Students aged between 11 and 14 are in key stage 3. The exception is found in Northern Ireland. It is the first 3 years of secondary school. Students in this key stage must follow 15 areas of programs. The curriculum of this stage is designed to prepare students for the key stage 4 where they will take the GCSEs or other qualification degrees.
Key Stage 4
Key stage 4 is the post-primary years of 11 and 12. It is the two years of compulsory school education. Key stage 4 is the final stage of the secondary school program. This stage lasts from the age of 14 to 16. This is the most common period where students take national curriculum assessment tests. The stage is incorporated with GCSEs and other examinations. The compulsory national curriculum subjects are the core and foundation programs.
The education system in the UK is the most recognized and standardized education system. The UK education system is globally reputed for its quality education. According to the QS world rankings, Times Higher Education Rankings, and academic rankings of world universities, UK universities always remain the top choice.
