Primary education
Elementary school students
Primary education in the UK starts at age 5 and continues until age 11. It encompasses the main phases one and two of the UK education system.
Some elementary schools are divided into infant and youth levels. They are usually independent schools in the same location. The age group of children (key stage 1) is 5 to 7 years. The junior age group (key level 2) is 7 to 11 years old.
The quality groups at primary level are:
Year R (reception) (4-5 years)
Year 1 (5-6 years)
Year 2 (6 to 7 years old) The year in which the SAT tests for Key Level 1 are taken
Year 3 (7-8 years)
Year 4 (8-9 years)
Year 5 (9 to 10 years old)
Year 6 (10-11 years) The year in which the SAT tests for Key Level 2 are taken
High School – Grades 7 and 8
Boys in the classroom
The 7th and 8th grades are the first two years of secondary education. In some independent schools they are included in elementary school, in others they are part of secondary school.
All students learn English, math, science, humanity and modern language. In addition to these subjects, each school has a list of electives (arts, music, drama, Latin, sports science, design technology, computer science) and students can choose subjects that interest them.
In some schools, students take the joint entrance examination in 7th grade. There are 3 exam sessions in November, January and May / June. The transition from primary to secondary (from the 8th to the 9th school year) can be conditioned by the results of the joint entrance examination in these schools.
High School – Year 9
St. Mary’s School, Shafestbury Girls
Year 9 is a very important year as the majority of students move from elementary school to secondary school. It is also a very good foundation for the GCSE program and an entry point for all schools.
Students learn English, math, science, humanities, and languages. In addition, students choose specific subjects from the list of electives offered by each school.
Secondary school – 10th and 11th grade
student science lessons
GCSE program
During the last two years of the secondary level, called 10 and 11, from the age of 14, students prepare for the GCSE exams, which are taken after two years (general certificate for the secondary level).
During the GCSE program, students take between 9 and 12 subjects, some of which are compulsory (English, Maths, 2/3 Science, History / Geography, Modern Language, etc.). Some are selected by each student based on their skills and abilities and preferences. At the end of the two-year GCSE program, after the exams, students receive their GCSE certificate for each subject examined.
The selected subjects and GCSE results are very important for your graduation (A-Level or IB) and for your admission to the university.
One year intensive GCSE
Some schools offer a one-year GCSE program in Grade 11 for international students. These one-year intensive courses are available to students aged 15 and over at the academic level appropriate for their country. Fewer subjects are examined (maximum 6).
IGCSE
The IGCSE (International General Certificate of Secondary Education) program prepares international students for the Abitur and / or IB.
Students study between 5 and 7 subjects, including English, math, and science. Each school has a list of subjects available to IGCSE students. At the end of the 11th year of study, students take exams in every subject and receive IGCSE certificates.
College Preparation – Years 12 & 13
Sixth grade students on the steps in uniform
A level study
Once a student has reached the age of 16, they can begin a two-year program leading to Level A (advanced) exams. Students specialize in 3 or 4 subjects, which are usually relevant to the Bachelor subject they want to study at the university. A-Levels are government exams and are recognized by all UK universities and institutions around the world.
At the end of the 13th year, after the exams, students receive an Abitur for each subject.
International Abitur (IB)
Those who wish to study more than 3-4 subjects can pursue their studies in a larger number of subjects with the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, which is offered by some independent universities.
During the IB, students learn 6 subjects, 3 at a higher level (HL) and 3 at a standard level (SL). The IB curriculum also includes a compulsory core curriculum that includes Knowledge Theory (TOK), Advanced Writing (EE) and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS).
At the end of their course, students take written exams on each topic.
Higher education – professional courses
Group of students walking away
International students can choose a public sixth year university or college as an alternative to private education. Both offer GCSE and A-Level courses for students aged 16 and over. The universities also offer undergraduate and graduate courses. All universities can prepare students for entry into a UK university or any other university in the world. Bright World works with several UK universities who offer a variety of academic and professional courses. These courses can enable students to pursue a career of their choice or obtain a place at a university of their choice.
BTEC courses are aimed at students who want to develop practical knowledge and skills in a specific field (business, psychology, engineering, sports, art and design) and who find traditional exams difficult. With an emphasis on hands-on competency-based learning, BTEC students will be assessed during the course. After each unit, students are assessed through homework, homework, or tests, not at the end of the program as is the case with GCSE or A-level students.
University – basic course
Girl writing and studying in the library
From the age of 17, international students can study the one-year core programs instead of the A or IB levels. These courses lead to private exams, which are an alternative to level A. Faculties’ basic courses are recognized by the universities with which they have partnerships.
Some colleges also offer core courses that lead to their own degree programs.
University studies
Student at Cambridge University
A UK Baccalaureate typically lasts three years and most are awarded at the Honors level. Examples of first degrees: BA (Bachelor of Arts), BEng (Bachelor of Engineering) and BSc (Bachelor of Science).
State universities offer two-year vocational degrees that allow exemptions from the first and sometimes the second year of a degree. Some private tutoring colleges offer a diploma program that corresponds to the first year of study. One-year doctoral students at some universities are admitted to the second year.
University studies
Student with pencil and laptop
Postgraduate courses in the UK are very intense. A Master’s degree usually lasts 12 months, for example an MA – Master of Arts and a MEng – Master of Engineering. An MBA (Master of Business Administration) is a high-level master’s degree that can last 2 years. Applicants will typically be very successful with at least 2 years of management experience. An academic PhD in the UK can take anywhere from 2 to 7 years.
internally
St. John School, Sidmouth
Bright World works almost exclusively with privately funded schools and universities. A boarding school is a boarding school where students live and study during the school year. There are around 500 boarding schools in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
British boarding schools provide exceptional education for students, helping them develop their skills and progress in university. All UK boarding schools must adhere to strict government standards for the quality of their education, facilities and student care.
The excellent facilities help make life and learning a great experience, and students improve their English skills as they study.
Tutorial colleges
MPW College
Tutoring courses start at age 15 and offer a more flexible range of programs with an emphasis on early entry into British universities.
Many independent sixth year private universities in Oxford, Cambridge and London operate on a “tutor system” and are often referred to as “tutor universities”. The tutoring system comes from Oxford and Cambridge Universities and is a popular and well-established system. It is still in use today and is the cornerstone of any “Oxbridge” education.
state boarding schools
Study book
A public boarding school is one where boarding is paid and education is free. The government pays for education like any other public school in England.
Admission to state boarding schools in the UK is restricted to children who are UK nationals who can hold a full UK passport, or to children who are nationals or who have the right to be nationals of other EU countries. of residence in the United Kingdom. Please note that having a BN (O) passport does not entitle the child to a state boarding school in the UK.