At ages of 11 and 16, children in the UK attend comprehensive secondary schools. The secondary curriculum consists of Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4, covering five school years. At the Key Stage 3, students follow the national curriculum studying a broad range of 10-15 subjects, including –
- English
- Math
- Science (Physics, Chemistry and Biology)
- History
- Geography
- Modern Foreign Language
- Design and Technology (Woodwork, Metalwork, Cookery, Textiles etc.)
- Art and Design
- Music and Drama
- Physical Education
- Citizenship
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
- Religious Education
- Sex Education
- Personal, Social and Health Education (PHSE)
GCSE
At age 14, Key Stage 4, most students in the UK start a two-year GCSE programme, leading to their first formal academic qualifications – General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). On average, students choose to study 8-10 GCSE subjects.
GCSE qualifications prepare students for entry to further education courses, including A-levels and BTEC Nationals. As illustrated below, for students who do not have any GCSEs, they can make up via a vocational route by doing BTEC Introductory Diplomas (equivalent to GCSEs grades D to G) and a BTEC First Diploma (equivalent to 4 GCSEs grade A*-C), awarded by Edexcel’s BTEC (Business and Technology Education Council).
After GCSEs, students in the UK can continue to Further Education (FE) for two years, and then Higher Education (HE) or they can enter the workplace at age 16.
British education is renowned worldwide. Non-European children aged between 11- 15 can attend independent fee‑paying schools if they have a Tier 4 (Child) visa.
With more Chinese people realised that Chinese traditional teaching comes into conflict with western developmental oriented education practice for creativity and critical thinking, there are more wealthy Chinese parents want to send their children to study in the UK. Live Our Dreams is dedicated to help Chinese parents who wish to give their children a world-class education at one of the UK’s top independent boarding schools. We offer parent advisory service and organise parent school visiting trip. We will also act as a responsible guardian for their children while they stay in the UK. Check it out below for educational services that we provide and read more about UK independent schools and university rankings.
