Education
Education in the UK
In this section you will find infomation on the follwing topics:
- Education system in the UK
- How to find the right course / Course search
- Routes into university and higher education
Education in England and Wales is a divided into: primary, secondary, further and higher education. Compulsory education lasts for 11 years; statutory schooling ages are between 5 to 16 years. Children are legally required to start attending school at the start of the term after their fifth birthday either on 31 August, 31 December or 31 March, however children often start earlier than this. Pupils are required to stay in school until the last Friday in June of the school year in which they reach 16 years of age. During this time children must receive full-time education that is suited to their age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs (SEN).
Most pupils transfer from primary to secondary school at age 11 years. However, a system of middle schools also exists: here pupils are transferred from primary school at either age 8 or 9 years, then onto secondary education at age 12 or 13 years. Most secondary schools in England and Wales are comprehensive; these do not operate a selective entrance system. However, in some parts of England, a grammar school system also operates whereby pupils are usually required to pass an entrance examination based on their ability.Under the National Curriculum, as a result of the Education Reform Act 1988, four Key Stages to education were established. These are as follows:
- Key Stage 1: 5 to 7 years old
- Key Stage 2: 7 to 11 years old
- Key Stage 3: 11 to 14 years old
- Key Stage 4: 14 to 16 years old
Pupils are assessed by National Curriculum tests at the end of each Key Stage. Key Stage 1 assessments are taken at age 7, Key Stage 2 assessments are taken at age 11 and Key Stage 3 assessments are taken at age 14. Key Stage 4 is assessed by levels of achievement acquired at General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) level. Having completed GCSEs, pupils have a choice of whether to continue with further education at school or college or to undertake employment.
How to apply to a school?
Many parents are happy to send their children to the nearest local school, but you do have the right to say which school you prefer and to appeal if a place is not available. You should be aware, however, that there is no guarantee of a place in your nearest or preferred school. All parents must fill in application form.
Special education needs
A child has special education needs if she or he has a:- learning difficulty which is significantly greater then majority of children of the same age
- disability which makes if difficult to use the facilities normally available.
- communication and interaction
- cognition and learning
- behaviour, emotional and social development
- sensory/physical
The majority of children with special education needs will have their needs met in their school, in accordance with the Code of Practice. All schools are expected to have in place agreed policies for special needs.
Finding the right course for you
There are almost a million courses available in the UK, so there’s bound to be one to suit your needs. many courses are aimed at complete beginners and have no entry requirements other than a willingness to learn.
Course search
You can search for a course by using the Directgov course search:http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/AdultLearning/index.htm If you're thinking about starting a course but don't know what's available in your area, course search will help you. Just click on the link below: http://www.bbc.co.uk/learning/coursesearch/returning/
Routes into university and higher education
As well as traditional academic qualifications like GCE A levels, there are work-related (vocational) qualifications acceptable for entry into higher education. Work experience may also be taken into account.The exact qualifications and grades needed for different higher education courses vary widely.
In general, though, you can apply for a degree course with:
- A levels, Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
- vocational qualifications
- Foundation or Access Course qualifications
If you already have a particular full-time degree or HND course in mind, you can look up the entry requirements on the Universities and Colleges Admission Service (UCAS) website. For part-time courses, find the university or college prospectus – most are now available online. The UCAS website also gives details of both part and full-time Foundation Degrees.
If you don’t have the equivalent of A levels, you may be able to use vocational qualifications to apply to a university or college, including:
- NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)
- SVQs (Scottish Vocational Qualifications)
- VCEs (Vocational Certificates of Education)
- Key skills qualifications
Along with vocational qualifications, you may also have considerable work experience to offer. If you're applying for a Foundation Degree course in particular, you may find that this is taken into account, alongside any qualifications you hold. Although prospectuses often refer mainly to A levels when they talk about entry requirements, don’t be put off – check with the course provider on vocational entry requirements, and if any substantial work experience could be taken into account.
English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL) these courses are for those who want to improve their English language skills in order to get better job or continue studying. For EU citizens courses are free of charge. If you want to find ESOL courses, please check: www.migrantworker.co.uk/esol.asp
- Unlimited access to full online course library http://www.beginners.co.uk/-
- Free TOEFL Test Preparation Exercises http://www.learn4good.com/languages/spec_english_toefl.htm
- The National Academic Recognition Information Centre for the UK to find out the UK equivalent of your foreign qualification www.naric.co.uk -
- Information for all foreign and British students studying in the UK www.ukstudentlife.com
- All about learning English, studying in England, taking exams www.britishcouncil.com
Learndirect - Learning through Work is an exciting opportunity for individuals and work-based groups to get university qualifications without leaving the workplace. Customised programmes build on existing skills and knowledge and focus on work-related learning.
