Education in Britain

1. In England and Wales compulsory school begins at the age of five, but before that age children can go to a nursery school, also called play school.
2. School is compulsory till the children are 16 years old.
3. Primary school. Schoolchildren attend a primary school for 6 years (from 5 to 11 years). They study general subjects, children learn to read and write and the basis of arithmetic.
4. Secondary school. When students transfer to Secondary school at the age of 11, they don't take any examination, but their reports are sent on from Primary school.
5. All types of secondary school have the five year courses for pupils from 11 years up to the school leaving age.
6. Pupils in all State schools in England and Wales study 10 main subjects: English, Mathematics, and Science. Foundation subjects: History, Geography, Art, Music, Information Technology, Physical education, Religious education is also taught.
7. Approximately 7% of school children in England attend fee-paying independent schools. Some of them are boarding schools, where students live while studying.
8. They are very expensive but considered to provide a better education and good job opportunities.
9. When students are 16 years old they may take an exam in various subjects in order to have a qualification. These qualifications can be either G.C.S.E. (General Certificate of Secondary Education) or "O level" (Ordinary level).

From the age of 16 there is a two-year period of education known as "sixth form" or "college" which typically leads to A-level qualifications.