The UK education system has a reputation for being the best. The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) recognises independent day schools and boarding schools in the UK as the best schools in the world. Many of the world’s top universities can be found in the UK, such as the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London. Qualifications achieved in the UK are recognised and valued all over the world. They are overseen by government-appointed organisations and have to meet strict quality standards.
“In a world of life-long learning, British education is a first-class ticket for life”.
The Rt Hon Tony Blair, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom from 1997 to 2007
As well as enjoying a high quality education in the UK, you will be made to feel welcome. In the UK, schools, colleges and universities are close communities: students do not get ‘lost in the crowd’ and there is great emphasis on both academic and pastoral support. For students under the age of 19, there are two types of school in the UK: state schools and independent schools (also sometimes known as private or public schools). All British and EU passport holders in England between the ages of 5 and 18 are entitled to a free place at a state school in the UK. This is funded by the government. Most state schools are obliged to follow the National Curriculum which splits schooling into four stages, known as Key Stages. For more information on Key Stages read the UK government’s overview of the National Curriculum here.Independent schools charge fees to attend instead of being funded by the government and they are not obliged to follow the National Curriculum. However, independent schools must be registered with the government and are inspected regularly. Independent schools are generally considered to offer a higher standard of education than state schools, and students educated privately are renowned for developing more confidence in their character. Depending on the type of course chosen, students can attend Further Education Colleges, Language Schools and Universities from the age of 16 or 17. In the UK, these institutions are independent and are not funded by the government. The fee charged to attend varies by institution.
