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The educational system in UK

England offers free education for all children from ages 5 to 18, with mandatory attendance until the age of 16. After the age of 16 students take the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam. Students are tested on basic curriculum and one addition extra curriculum subject. Upon completion of the GCSE, students may leave school or attend a technical college, whilst other students continue two more years to prepare for A levels in three to four additional subjects. These exams will establish whether or not a student is eligible for university. Approximately 94 percent of students in the UK receive free education from public funds, while around 6 percent attend independent tuition paying schools. All Government run schools, state schools, follow the same National Curriculum.


School education
The education of Great Britain begins with primary education which consists of a combination junior and infant schools. Beginning in infant schools (two years) and following into junior schools (four years). After completing the six years students then attend Secondary education from age eleven to minimum age of sixteen when they can choose to leave school. Students study a basic curriculum giving them the necessary knowledge for the GCSE certification. With some schools students may stay an additional two years in sixth form and finish with a GCE A Levels (General Certificate of Education Advanced Levels) or the GCE AS examinations ( General Certificate of Education Advance Supplementary examinations), or GN VQ’s (General National Vocational Qualifications). Other colleges also offer these courses for further education.

Higher education
Higher education can be taught in three main types of institutions. Students have the choice between universities, colleges and specialised schools that may focus on specific studies. All universities function independently especially with the structure of courses. This has evolved into a rather varied selection of degrees, for example some schools may award its own degrees if it has earned a good proven record and validity with other universities.

Citizens from the EU that wish to complete a course of studies must supply evidence that their education has qualified them to follow a course leading to a degree and that they speak and understand English. However, having these qualifications, does not give them an automatic right for placement at a higher education institution. Entries are competitive and the final decision is decided by the institution.

Foreign student admission
Foreign students wishing to study in the United Kingdom must hold qualifications that are equivalent to the United Kingdom General Certificate of Education with passing marks of five to six and includes two at Advanced level.

Entry policy for foreign students states that a passport, a visa and evidence confirming their registration in full-time courses and evidence of funds. Foreign students outside of the European Union also have to posses a medical certificate.

Students should have a good knowledge of English. English courses can be found in both the private and state sector.