Changing schools is always daunting, but particularly so when one is also moving internationally. Hopefully we answer some questions you may have about the UK school system.

What is nursery, primary school, secondary school, and sixth form? 

Nursery and Reception are non-compulsory educational experiences children may have either as a choice of the parents or to provide child care during work hours. Usually students start Reception when they are 4 or 5 years old, depending on their birthday. Nursery and Reception provide many educational advantages to children who are looked after by trained staff. The main focus of Nursery and Reception is learning through play.

Primary school is the first mandatory educational experience children receive, beginning with Year 1 when students are 5 or 6 years old. Students will begin learning phonics, handwriting, mathematics, and a range of other subjects, while also learning through play. Primary school lasts 6 years, and at the end of year 6, students take formal exams in reading, writing, and mathematics.

Secondary school starts in Year 7, when students are 11 or 12 years old and lasts until Year 11, when students are 15 or 16 years old. Secondary school is split into Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4. Key Stage 3 is three years and is more rigorous than primary school, but not yet exam focused education. Students will study a variety of classes, the core subjects being English language, mathematics, and science. Other subjects studied at Key Stage 3 include geography, history, art, physical education, music, modern foreign languages, IT, religious education, food technology, and design technology.

Key Stage 4 comprises the final two years of secondary school. Students will select exam option subjects and student in-depth topics in order to complete GCSE exams at the end of Year 11. All students will be examined in core subjects as well: English language, mathematics, and science.

Once students finish Year 11, they have an option to go to college, sixth form, to apply for an apprenticeship, or to begin work. College and Sixth Form are schools that focus on pre-university or work-related education also known as Key Stage 5. Students begin sixth form or college when they are 16 or 17 years old. The exams at Key Stage 5 are called A Levels, and students will usually study 3-4 courses over two years. University applications will ask for both GCSE exam results and A Level results. Job applications will also require you to list GCSE exam grades and any A Level courses you’ve taken, depending on the job specification.

Once students complete sixth form, they may apply for university, apply for an apprenticeship, or begin work. Usually students are now 18 years old and are considered adults.