When I came to the UK, one of the things that I did not expect to be different from the US when I came here was the schooling system. For those who are coming here with dependents, such as children of their own, I figured it could be helpful for me to lay out the schooling system.
Education in the UK is split into a few different blocks so to speak: Primary, Secondary, and Post-Secondary Education (further education, higher education).
Primary education in the UK typically consists of the following years:
- Foundation Stage (Reception Year): Age 4-5
- Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2): Age 5-7
- Year 1: Age 5-6
- Year 2: Age 6-7
- Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6): Age 7-11
- Year 3: Age 7-8
- Year 4: Age 8-9
- Year 5: Age 9-10
- Year 6: Age 10-11
This structure forms the basis of primary education in the UK before moving on to secondary education.
Secondary education in the UK typically consists of the following stages and years:
- Key Stage 3 (Years 7 to 9): Age 11-14
- Year 7: Age 11-12
- Year 8: Age 12-13
- Year 9: Age 13-14
- Key Stage 4 (Years 10 and 11): Age 14-16
- Year 10: Age 14-15
- Year 11: Age 15-16
Post Secondary-Education in the UK consists of Further Education and Higher Education. The biggest surprise to me personally was learning that College and University were completely different in the UK, unlike in America where they are one in the same.
- Further Education (College)
- Post compulsory
- includes courses and classes similar to those taught in universities
- Higher Education (University)
- Pretty much the same as in America. With Undergraduate and Graduate degrees that can be pursued, alongside PHDs.
The education system in the UK is not as hard to get a grasp on but I hope this post helps those who need help navigating some of the differences.
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