Secondary education in England

 

Secondary education in England is mandatory for children under 16 years old. All public and private schools teach children from 11 to 16 years and prepare them to receive GCSE - General Certificate of Secondary Education. Education in private boarding schools in England attracts foreign students by traditions of quality, and therefore greater opportunities for the child in the future.

 

The education system in England

 

From 5 to 10 years old children study at Preparatory / Primary School, from 11 to 18 years old - in Senior School.

Education in Senior school, in turn, is divided into three stages: Grades 7-9 (11-14 y.o.), 10-11 (15-16 y.o.) and 12-13 grades (17-18 y.o.). At 16 y.o., at the end of the second stage of Senior school, all students take exams to receive a GCSE certificate. After that you can choose: to go to work, get professional training or learn another 2 years A-level / International Baccalaureate program for future admission to University.

Students of A-level program study only those 4-5 disciplines which they will be  specialized in the University.

 

The academic year in the UK is divided into three academic terms.

Autumn/Winter term private schools in England start from September to mid-December.

Spring term - from the early January to the end of March.

Summer Term from mid April to the first half of July.

Classes begin in September, but some schools may accept students later. During the Christmas and Easter holidays, students return home.

 

What is the best age to start to learn at boarding school in England?

 

Usually, admission to British private boarding schools takes place in accordance with the phase of learning when children move from one stage to another, that is at 8 years old (the main admission in primary school), at 11 or 13 y.o. (passing to Senior school) and 16 y.o. when A-level begins.