Secondary education in the UK normally starts for most students at the age of 11 years old. Though not common, in some parts of the UK there are middle schools which run up to 12 or 13 years old. For international students coming into the UK for secondary education, it is common to either enter at the age of 11 or wait until the age of 13 and have one year in the school before starting the two-year GCSE program which will run from 14 to 16 years old.
From the age of 11-14, students will study a broad range of subjects such as Music, Maths, Sciences, English, etc. When you reach 14, you generally enter into your first year of a 2 year process known as your GCSE (or SCE for those who are in Scotland). GCSE's are a set of exams that test your knowledge and skill.
Most schools follow the same method when it comes to GCSE's and you will take the following core subjects:
English
Maths
Sciences (either combined or separate Biology, Chemistry and Physics)
Students typically then select an additional 4 or 5 subjects in which to take GCSE's, and they can be subjects like French, German, Business Studies, Design and Technology, Music, Sports Science, Geography, History and many other options.
At state schools students typically take 5 to 10 GCSE's, depending on the student's ability and drive. For independent schools, which are usually a lot more results driven, it is not uncommon for students to take as many as 11 or 12, focusing more on academic subjects compared to the arts subjects.
GCSE's take a total of 2 years and mark the end of compulsory education for students in the UK. Once they have completed their GCSE's students then have the choice to either move into further education (with a view to higher education) or can leave school and look for work.
Single Sex schools
We have two boarding schools only for girls in our portfolio:
Fast Track Foundation Course at Buckswood School Guestling (near Hastings), West Sussex
Not able to complete A Level, for entry into University?
Buckswood School has a Fast Track Foundation Course, a two term residential course. Buckswood will ensure that you have a place in a university. Places in this fast track are very limited, so please contact us soon.
Learning at Buckswood is highly individualised. Every element of the curriculum is designed with the personal aptitudes and talents of the student in mind from smaller class sizes, tailored timetables and abundant amounts of hands-on experiences.
International Football Academy at Bearwood College Wokingham, Berkshire
Reap the benefits of an educational experience unlike any other
Our staff are experts in Sport and Physical Education, many of whom have played professional sport to the highest level. Of course we realise that all students are individuals, so we tailor the courses by providing a wide variety of sports and non-sports courses.
In doing so we’re able to offer players the opportunity to personalise their learning pathways.
There are more than 2,500 private schools in the UK educating children from all over the world, and like universities there is an informal ranking system for the schools based largely on the A level results that students achieve and the universities that students gain places at. As a consequence, many of the leading schools have very competitive entrance requirements with huge demand for a very limited number of places, therefore the schools can be very selective and will take the highest achievers they can.
Boarding in the UK
The country’s boarding schools are safe, happy places for maximum achievement and personal development. There has never been a better time to become a boarder at a British boarding school. Standards in education and in pastoral care have never been higher!
The UK is home to some of the finest independent schools in the world and, with careful research, you will find the right school to provide your children with an educational experience that they will cherish for the rest of their lives – whatever their age
