Information for Teachers About UK Schools  

England and Wales

Education in England and Wales is divided into 4 stages: primary, secondary, further and higher education. Compulsory schooling is from 5 to 16 years. During this time children must receive full-time education that is suited to their age, ability, aptitude and special educational needs (SEN). If a child does not attend school, the local education authority (LEA) must be satisfied that other appropriate provision is available.

Most pupils transfer from primary to secondary school at 11 but some transfer from primary to middle schools at either 8 or 9 years and move onto secondary education aged 12 or 13. Most secondary schools in England and Wales are ‘comprehensive ’, which means they do not operate a selective entrance system. In some parts of England a grammar school system also operates whereby pupils are usually required to pass a formal entrance examination based on their ability. Under the National Curriculum as a result of the Education Reform Act 1988 four Key Stages to education were established.

Primary schools for children aged from 5-11 (Year 1 – Year 6)  

There are three ‘core’ subjects in the National Curriculum – English, Maths and Science.  Maths & English are tested at Key Stage 1 (aged 7) with Science being added at Key Stage 2 (aged 11) at the end of the Primary cycle. In addition children are taught History, Geography, Technology, Art, Music and Physical Education. 

Secondary schools for pupils aged 11-16 (Year 7-11) 

Children attending a state school from ages 11 to 14 (Years 7 to 9) follow Key Stage 3 (KS3) of the National Curriculum.

KS3 compulsory subjects include:

Schools also have to provide:

Careers education and guidance (during Year 9) 

Sex and Relationship Education (SRE) 

Religious education (Parents can choose to withdraw their child from all or part of the religious education curriculum and the non-statutory elements of SRE) 

Depending on the school, lessons in Personal, social and health education (PSHE) may also be provided. 

Choices in Year 9

During Year 9, pupils will choose which subjects they will study at Key Stage 4. Their studies in many of these subjects will lead to a nationally-recognised qualification, such as General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). 

At Key Stage 4, students will study a mix of compulsory and optional subjects. 

Compulsory subjects include:

• English 
• Maths 
• Science 
• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) 
• Physical education 
• Citizenship 

In addition, pupils have to take careers education and work-related learning. Schools must also offer religious education, SRE and at least one subject from each of the four ‘entitlement’ areas.

The entitlement areas are:

• Arts subjects 
• Design and technology 
• Humanities 
• Modern foreign languages 

School terms

The school year consists of three terms starting in autumn (September-December) followed by spring (January-Easter) and ends with the summer term (after Easter until mid July). Exact holiday dates vary from school to school.

For teachers who work in the same school for one or more terms, holidays cannot be taken during term time. 

What to expect

The UK teaching system is diverse and a wide range of teaching experiences can be gained in a short time.  English schools vary considerably due to geo demographical and social factors. The pupils will be from varied social and ethnic backgrounds. Some schools will be based in rural locations where the school is at the heart of the local community, others in towns or cities will serve a larger geographical area and maybe focussed more towards serving local industry and commerce. 

For more details on the UK education system, please visit this website:  www.teachernet.gov.uk