Schools in Britain

4.5

All children in Britain must go to school when they are five. They can leave school at sixteen. Some boys and girls stay at school until they are seventeen or eighteen, and then go to university or college if their parents can pay for it.

Primary Education (age 5-11)

At five, all children go to Infant School and stay there until they are seven. Then they go to Junior School. In school, they learn reading, writing, and arithmetic. They also sing, draw, and do physical exercises.

Secondary Education (age 11-16, 17)

After Junior School, children can go to a Grammar School, Secondary Modern School, Secondary Technical School, or Comprehensive School. Many children take the 11+ examination. This test is for children who are eleven or a little older. It tests English, arithmetic, and intelligence. Children choose the correct answers from five options on a printed paper. The exam is written and has a time limit.

Children with very good results go to Grammar or Technical Schools. Many children from working-class families have fewer chances because life is hard. They have few books, cannot go to museums or theaters, and some parents are unemployed. Children with lower results go to Secondary Modern Schools.

Grammar Schools teach modern languages, sciences, and classics. They prepare pupils for university or college.

Secondary Modern Schools give a limited education. Pupils learn little mathematics and English but study woodwork, metalwork, sewing, shorthand, typing, and cooking.

There are few Secondary Technical Schools. They teach practical subjects like commerce, industry, and agriculture.

Comprehensive Schools take children without the 11+ examination. They have different programs: Grammar, Technical, and Modern. Children with good results take the Grammar or Technical program. Those with lower results take the Modern program.

There are also Independent Schools for children from rich families. Parents pay a lot for these boarding schools.

At sixteen, pupils take the Ordinary Level (“O” level) exams in three or four subjects. Pupils choose their subjects, for example: English, Chemistry, and Mathematics; or English, Drama, and History. Those who pass can enter the sixth form and study for the Advanced Level (“A” level) exams for two years. “A” level exams are for students going to college or university. Pupils choose their subjects themselves. All exams are written and taken at colleges or universities. Pupils pay for them.

Uniforms

Many schools in Britain require uniforms. Schoolgirls usually wear dresses, hats, colored ribbons, and badges. Schoolboys wear a blazer, cap, and tie.