UK Education System and Tuition Fees

In England, the education system, which consists of foundations and private institutions, has been expanded since 1870, with state-funded schools becoming more widespread, and education has been made compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 10. With the reform in 1980, a national curriculum was introduced to the English education system, giving parents the opportunity to choose which school their children will attend.

The education system in England is divided into five main sections: pre-school, primary, secondary, college and higher education. According to English law, compulsory education starts at the age of 5 and continues until the age of 16. Primary, secondary and college education is provided free of charge to English citizens by the state.

The British education system offers a variety of school types, including private, state, religious or international schools, as well as the option for parents to educate their children at home through Elective Home Education, where parents do not send their children to school at all after the age of 5, and take on the responsibility of educating them full-time outside of school.

In addition to the native languages French, German and Spanish taught in UK schools, Arabic, Chinese, Greek, Polish and Turkish language education is also provided.

The UK has improved its scores in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA), a three-year test conducted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to measure the knowledge and skills of 15-year-old students, over the last 10 years. In the 2018 PISA rankings, the UK rose from 26th to 17th in mathematics and from 23rd to 15th in reading comprehension, compared to the 2009 rankings.

What are the Institutions of the UK Education System?

The education system in the United Kingdom is organised and administered by different countries, each under different governments. Education in England is regulated by the UK Department for Education. Local government authorities are responsible for public education and state schools at a local level.

In Northern Ireland, the Department of Education is responsible for pre-school, primary, special education, youth work, teacher training and salaries. College and higher education is where students are employed or prepared to enter employment and therefore falls under the Department of Economic Affairs and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Education in Scotland is overseen by the Scottish Government and its education executive body, Education Scotland. Within the Scottish Government, the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills has overall responsibility for education provision in Scotland.

Education in Wales is regulated and administered by the Department of Welsh Language and Education and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales (Estyn).

What is the Education Policy of England?

The UK Department of Education’s national education policy aims to provide students with the basic knowledge they need to become educated citizens. It aims to teach students to think and speak in the best way possible. UK education programs provide a balanced and broad-based curriculum to support students’ spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development in school and society.

How Many Years of Compulsory Education in England?

Compulsory education in England lasts 11 years; education is compulsory for all children aged 5 to 16.

What Are UK Schools Like?

Most schools in the United Kingdom are located in England. There are 24,413 schools in England, including 338 nurseries, 16,791 primary schools, 3,458 secondary schools, 2,366 independent schools, 1,005 special schools, 57 dedicated schools and 348 pupil referral units (PRUs).

Schools in England are divided into two categories: state schools and private schools. State schools provide free education and are controlled by the government. Approximately 93% of children aged between 3 and 18 attend state schools. As of 1998, there have been six main types of state schools in England.

Academies are state schools that do not have to follow the national curriculum. Community centres are schools run by a local council and offer non-academic activities relevant to a particular community. Free or voluntary schools are schools established by parents, teachers or charities in England, where there is a shortage of schools, and are under the control of the Department for Education.

Private schools, also known as independent schools, are fee-paying schools. Private schools in England do not have to follow the national curriculum, but must be registered with the Department for Education (DfE) and meet certain conditions. Half of private schools are inspected by Ofsted, and some by the Schools Inspection Service.

What are the Stages of the British Education System?

The stages of the British education system are listed below.

Pre-school education in England
Primary school education in England
Secondary education in England
UK high school education
UK university education

What is the UK Pre-School Education System Like?

Pre-school education is not compulsory in England and every child between the ages of 2 and 5 can attend pre-school. UK pre-schools are generally open from Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 17:00. Pre-school education develops children’s reading, basic math, communication activities and cognitive skills through play. There are both free and paid pre-schools in England. Private pre-schools cost an average of 15,000 British pounds per year.

What is the Primary School Education System Like in England?

Primary school education in England begins at age 5 and continues until age 11, covering the first and second stages of the education system. In most primary schools, education begins at 08:00 and ends at 16:00. In primary schools in England, children focus on the core subjects of mathematics, science and literacy.

In UK primary schools, exercise books, novels, pencils and stationery are provided by the school. In year 6, at the end of key stage 2, all pupils at primary school level in the UK take exams called the SATs.

State primary schools in England are free. Private primary schools in England cost on average between £21,000 and £45,000 per year.

What are Primary School Subjects in England?

Some of the courses at primary school level in England differ from the courses in the Other countries education system. Primary school courses in England are listed below.

Art and Design
Design and Technology
English(English)
Geography
History
Information and Communication Technology
Mathematics
Music
Physical Education
Science

Additionally, Religious Education must be given to children at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

What is the UK Secondary School Education System Like?

In England, secondary school education includes high school and college education. Education in England secondary schools is provided between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, Monday to Friday. In England, children start secondary school at the age of 11 or 12. England secondary schools last between five and seven years. All students between the ages of 11 and 16 are required to attend compulsory lower secondary education. When students reach the age of 14, they take a two-year exam known as GCSE. Students who pass the GCSE exam are eligible to take the A-level exam. Students who complete lower secondary education in England can start work, vocational or further education.

In England, students at secondary school level can choose sports schools, grammar schools and religious schools. Private UK secondary school fees range from 12,000 to 45,000 British pounds on average per year.

What is the High School Education System Like in England?

In England, high school education is part of secondary school. In addition to compulsory courses, high school courses in England include at least one foreign language, citizenship, social and health education.

In the UK high school education system, a student completes high school education at the age of 16. Students who complete their high school education graduate from high school by taking the exam called GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education). Students who successfully complete this exam are eligible to take the A Level exam, which is the university entrance exam 2 years later.

There are 4 different types of high school education in England.

UK private high school preparatory schools
UK private day schools
UK day and boarding state high schools
UK state colleges

The UK high school education system basically consists of 2 stages. In the first stage, students prepare for the GCSE exam in a two-year period. Students who successfully complete the GCSE exam are prepared for the A Level exam, which is the university exam, in the second stage in the next two years.

In the UK, when students reach the age of 16, they study the relevant subjects they wish to pursue at university and at the end of Year 13, they take A Level exams in each subject, then receive an A Level certificate which is recognised by institutions all over the UK and worldwide.

The requirements for studying at a high school in England are listed below.

Being between the ages of 14-18
Have an academic level of English
Having good academic success throughout education life
Having enough funds to cover education, accommodation and all living expenses.

How Many Years Does It Take to Complete High School in England?

High school education in England is completed in 4 years.

Is it possible to study high school for free in the UK?

It is not possible for a student who has completed secondary school is to study high school for free in England, however, a student can study high school for free in England by receiving a 100% scholarship from various foundations and associations.

Is it possible to study in England during the last year of high school?

It is not possible to complete high school in England by starting from the last year of high school. However, it is possible for the student’s family to settle in England while the student is receiving his/her final high school education by looking at the equivalence here. If the student cannot provide sufficient equivalence, he/she will study high school from the beginning. In addition, students who do not have sufficient language skills must first receive language education in England.

What is the UK University Education System Like?

Higher education in the UK is provided by Higher Education (HE) colleges, universities and private colleges. University education in the UK is not compulsory and is fee-based. Students can enter higher education from the age of 18. First degree education at universities in the UK usually lasts 3 years, while some technical departments can last 4 years. Education usually starts in September-October and ends in July.

In England, the state does not control university curricula, but the Independent Higher Education Quality Assurance Agency inspects universities to ensure standards. Undergraduate applications to universities in England are managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

England does not apply a university exam system. In England, students must have an A Level or IB diploma to apply for higher education. Higher education in England is fee-based.

Direct entry requirements to UK universities are listed below.

Proficient level of English language (IELTS)
High school diploma GPA above a certain level
Extracurricular activities and a satisfactory CV
A+ and IB Diploma and diploma from other accredited schools preferred

What are the Tuition Fees in the UK?

Tuition fees in the UK are expensive. UK and EU citizens pay no more than the government-imposed maximum fee of £9,250 for undergraduate studies. International students pay an average of £15,000 per year for undergraduate studies in the UK. The average tuition fee for a medical or veterinary degree at Cambridge University is £53,000 per year. Tuition fees in the UK vary depending on the city, institution and level of study.

How Much Are High School Fees in England?

High school fees in England vary depending on state and private schools. In England, one academic year consists of 3 terms and lasts 10 months.

UK state high school fees for international students range from £4,000-8,000, while fees for UK private high schools range from £21,000-45,000. High school fees in London range from £12,000 to £25,000 per year. Boarding school fees in the UK average £35,000 per year. High school fees may vary depending on accommodation and other extra activities. It is recommended that students consider all costs of education, accommodation and living before deciding on a high school in the UK.

Is it possible to get a scholarship to study high school in the UK?

It is possible to receive a scholarship to receive high school education in England. England offers scholarship opportunities to bright and intelligent students worldwide. In particular, students’ academic and artistic achievements are rewarded with various scholarships. Scholarships are generally given to students in the 11, 13 and 16 age groups; after starting to receive scholarships at these ages, the success of students who continue their education is taken into consideration and their scholarships continue throughout their education.

In the UK, scholarships are usually awarded based on GCSE exam results. There is a lot of competition for scholarships from international students. At high school level, scholarship levels are usually around 20%-30% of tuition fees.

How Much Are University Tuition Fees in the UK?

UK university fees vary depending on the university, discipline type and duration of study.

UK public university fees typically range from £5,000 to £10,500 per year. Private university fees range from £5,000 to £35,000 per year. UK universities charge between £6,000 and £20,000 per year for a postgraduate degree. Medical studies cost £20,000 for a postgraduate degree, while arts and social sciences cost £13,000.

Annual tuition fees for international students at Oxford University in England range from £27,840 to £39,010, with postgraduate tuition fees ranging from £20,000 to £50,000.

What kind of education are there UK scholarship opportunities for?

Education opportunities with UK scholarships are listed below.

UK university scholarships
UK postgraduate scholarships
High school education with scholarship in England

What is Gifted Education Like in the UK?

In the UK education system, the curriculum is prepared according to the needs of gifted students. Gifted students are supported with Pupil Premium funds.

The inspection body for gifted education in England is Ofsted, and the institution inspects whether schools are developing students’ talents and interests.

What are the Education Statistics of the UK Population?

Most of the UK’s schools are in England, with over 3,000 in London alone. 92% of state schools are good or outstanding. According to The Guardian newspaper, 57% of London students meet advanced standards in reading, writing and mathematics, performing above the national average.

In 2017, 47.7% of Britons aged 25 to 64 had completed a secondary education, while 22.6% had a bachelor’s degree or higher. 52% of Britons aged 25 to 34 had attended a higher education programme.

According to education statistics in the UK, young women are 36% more likely to enter university than young men. When it comes to gender, the female UK population outperforms the male population in all categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Questions and answers frequently asked to our center about the education system in England and the training that can be received are given below.

Which are the High Schools in London, England?

There are many high schools in London in the ranking of the best high schools in England. The main London high schools in England are listed below.

Alleyn’s School
Emanuel School
Highgate School
King’s College School
St. Paul’s School
University College School
Westminster School
Dulwich College

How to Get Language Education in England?

There are more than 400 language schools in England where you can receive language education, for language exams such as IELTS or TOEFL, or for daily language learning.

Language training is available in England for English, French, Norwegian, Chinese, Swedish, Spanish, Italian, Persian, Hungarian, Serbian, Arabic, Finnish and Japanese.

EC English, Oxford International School, The London School of English, Kaplan International English, British Study Center are among the most popular UK language schools. UK language school prices, which vary from school to school and depending on the type of school, are 270 British pounds per week for 12-week courses and 1,200 British pounds for intensive program courses with 30 hours of instruction per week.

Can I Get Erasmus Education in England?

No, you cannot receive Erasmus education in the UK. With the UK leaving the European Union, the UK has also left the Erasmus programme.

Within the scope of the UK Turing Program announced by the UK government, students of universities that have an agreement with a higher education institution in the UK can apply for this new program.

What are the Best Certificate Programs in the UK?

Certificate programs in the UK are special training programs designed to develop or strengthen specific career skills. A certificate program from the UK will increase the opportunity to find work in countries such as Europe and America. UK certificate programs, which aim to develop the work skills of people with career goals, can start from 1 month and last up to 2 years.

In England, in addition to fields such as law, marketing, psychology, graphic design, TOEFL and IELTS language certificates that prove language proficiency are also given. England certificate programs offer students internship opportunities, professional English, work experience support, flexible program duration and easy participation advantages.

What Education Can Receive in the UK?

The most popular types of education in the UK for citizens are listed below.

Paramedic training in the UK
Medical education in the UK
Pilot training in England
Language education in England
Coach training in England
Studying law in England
Pharmacy education in the UK
Acting training in England

How do Other countries and England Education Systems Compare?

While the UK education system consists of 5 levels, the other education system consists of 3 levels: primary school, secondary school and high school. While compulsory education in the UK is 11 years for ages 5-16, compulsory education is 12 years for ages 6-18. In the UK and other Countries, state schools are free during compulsory education.

Are There Other Language Schools in England?

Yes, there are Other Language Schools in England. Other Language Schools in England were established to support Other Language and culture and to ensure the continuity of language as a mother tongue between generations. The West London Turkish Academy in London offers Turkish lessons to children aged 6-16. The Ali Rıza Değirmencioğlu School in West London provides Turkish language and culture education as well as preparing students for A Level and GCSE exams.

Is it possible to work while studying in the UK?

It is possible to work while studying in the UK.

Students over the age of 17 who have a long-term student visa, also known as a Tier 4 visa, granted for education in the UK for more than 11 months, can work while studying in the UK for a maximum of 20 hours per week. A short-term student visa, granted for a period of 6-11 months in the UK, cannot be used to obtain a UK student work permit. A Tier 4 visa is required to study and work in the UK at the same time.