1. THE ENGLISH EDUCATION SYSTEM

2. Education is obligatory for all children aged 5 to 16. School, however, is not obligatory. A child can be home- schooled on condition that his parents liaise with the Local Eduation Authority in order that their provision can be approved.

3. 4 STAGES 2. SECONDARY- 11 to 16 years old Key Stage 3 – Years 7, 8, and 9 Key Stage 4 – Years 10 and 11 Evaluation – GCSEs (6 to 10 subjects) 1. PRIMARY– 5 to 11 years old Key Stage 1 – Year 1 and Year 2 Key Stage 2 – Year 3, 4, 5 and 6 Evaluation – SATs (English, Maths, Science), it is likely, however, that the government will phase out these exams

4. 3. FURTHER– 16+ ‘6th form’ college -either an academic qualification – ‘A levels’ – 3 or 4 subjects, 2 years -or a vocational qualification 1-3 years 4. HIGHER– university (fees) -undergraduate degree, ≈ 3 years – ‘postgraduate degree’ - Master ≈ 1 year - Doctorat ‘PhD’ ≈ 3 – 4 years

5. Children under the age of 5 can attend state-funded nurseries part- time. It is also possible for children to start school at 4 years old if their parents believe them to be ready FOR THE LITTLE ‘UNS

6. STATE SCHOOLS Every child between 5 and 16 years living in England has the right to a free place in a state school State schools follow the National Curriculum, they receive runding from the Local Education Authority and they are inspected by OFSTED, a governmental department

7. STATE SCHOOLS SECONDARY The majority of secondary schools are comprehensive, but there are still some 'grammar schools' which are also free but each child must pass an examinatin in order to enter. There are also some schools who provide education for children with special educational needs.

8. PRIVATE SCHOOLS Independent schools are paying. Each school chooses their curriculum; their admissions policy and they are inspected either by OFSTED or by another government-approved inspecting body. Private schools can also specialise in a particular area, for example music or sport. Equally, they can be for disabled children.