The British Educational System
THE BRITISH EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM.
The basic features of the British educational system are the same as they are anywhere else in Europe. There are three recognized stages, with children moving from the first stage (primary) to the second stage (secondary) at around the age of 11. The third (tertiary) stage is ‘further’ education at university or college. British children start compulsory education at the age of five. Very young children, ususally 3 or 4 years old go to nursery school. Nursery edcuation is voluntary.
However, there is quite a lot which distinguishes education in Britain from the way it works in other countries. Compulsory education is free of charge, but parents may spend money on educating their children privately if they want to.
Terminology to do with the school system in Britain can be confusing. Schools funded by the government (so free of charge for the parents) are called ‘state schools’ and the education provided in this way is called ‘state education’. This distinguishes it from ‘private education’, which comprises ‘independent schools’. Some independent schools are known as ‘public schools’. So it is important to remember that the term ‘public school’ in Britain does not mean what you expect. Centuries ago, public shools did provide free education for poor boys, but today they are elite establishments and very private. They became known as ‘public schools’ in the 19th century, when they started to provide residential places for pupils from outside the locality.
The possibility of confusion in the terminology is especially great because in the USA schools organized by the government are called ‘public shools’.
In Britain today, only about 8% of children are educated outside the state system, because it is so expensive.
Historical background.
The British government attached little importance to education until the end of the nineteenth century. Still schools and other educational institutions (such as universities)
The basic features of the British educational system are the same as they are anywhere else in Europe. There are three recognized stages, with children moving from the first stage (primary) to the second stage (secondary) at around the age of 11. The third (tertiary) stage is ‘further’ education at university or college. British children start compulsory education at the age of five. Very young children, ususally 3 or 4 years old go to nursery school. Nursery edcuation is voluntary.
However, there is quite a lot which distinguishes education in Britain from the way it works in other countries. Compulsory education is free of charge, but parents may spend money on educating their children privately if they want to.
Terminology to do with the school system in Britain can be confusing. Schools funded by the government (so free of charge for the parents) are called ‘state schools’ and the education provided in this way is called ‘state education’. This distinguishes it from ‘private education’, which comprises ‘independent schools’. Some independent schools are known as ‘public schools’. So it is important to remember that the term ‘public school’ in Britain does not mean what you expect. Centuries ago, public shools did provide free education for poor boys, but today they are elite establishments and very private. They became known as ‘public schools’ in the 19th century, when they started to provide residential places for pupils from outside the locality.
The possibility of confusion in the terminology is especially great because in the USA schools organized by the government are called ‘public shools’.
In Britain today, only about 8% of children are educated outside the state system, because it is so expensive.
Historical background.
The British government attached little importance to education until the end of the nineteenth century. Still schools and other educational institutions (such as universities)