UK Education Stages
Early Year Education
Primary Education
Children enters Early Years Foundation Stage at the age of 3, during which they can choose to attend pre-schools, nurseries, or reception year at primary schools to prepare for primary education. Note that this stage of education is not compulsory.
Children at the age of 5 are obliged to attend schools as it marks the first year of compulsory education. During the six years of primary education, they undergo two primary assessments, SATs (government-funded schools only) and 11+ exams.
Secondary Education
This stage of education lasts for 5 years, from the age of 11 to 16. At the end of year 11, students are obliged to take the GCSE. The result of the GCSE determine whether the students are qualified to pursue further academic study.
Higher Education (Undergraduate)
Students usually enter higher education as undergraduates from the age of 18 onward. The number of years it takes for the completion of university study ranges from 3 to 5, depending on the study plan and the type of degree. Note that university study is not free, even for the UK permanent citizens.
Further Education (Sixth Form)
Further education only lasts for two years. Students whose GCSE results allow them to enter this stage of study will turn their full attention to prepare for A Level (or other equivalent public examinations), the result of which decide whether they can be admitted to universities in the UK or overseas. Year 13 also marks the end of compulsory education in England.
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Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate degrees usually last between 12 to 15 months. Such programmes are intended for further specialisation in addition to obtained undergraduate degree. Many students pursue postgraduate degrees with intentions to break into professional sectors.