The School System

Education is compulsory from the age of 5 to 16, and there is usually a move from primary to secondary school at about the age of 11, but schools are organized in a number of different ways. The Department for Education and Skills maintains overall control although local education authorities and head teachers have considerable powers in planning and administration. The National Curriculum introduced in 1988 sets levels of attainment for all pupils at the end of Key Stages 1 - 3 at ages 7,11 and 14.

Until the 1960s most children took an examination at the end of primary school (the Eleven Plus): those who passed went to grammar schools while those who did not went to secondary modern school. A few areas still select at the age of eleven, but about 90 per cent of secondary schools in Britain are now comprehensive, taking children of all abilities from their local area.

Compulsory education is free of charge, though parents may choose a private school and spend their money on educating their children. About 93% of pupils receive free education from public funds, while the others attend independent schools financed by fees paid by parents.

THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN ENGLAND AND WALES

Pre-school: age 3-5 (voluntary)

64% of 3 and 40year olds in the UK attend some form of pre-school education, compared with only 21% in 1970. 16% of 4-year olds in England attend some form of non-school education such as playgroups in the private and voluntary sector. 97% of 4 year olds in England have a free, part-time early education place. All 4-year olds in England and Wales are entitled to such a place if their parents wish.

Foundation stage The increasing emphasis on pre-school education means that children’s skills will be assessed earlier and earlier.

<== попередня сторінка	\|	наступна сторінка ==>
Read the following sentences.	\|	Primary school: ages 5-11 (compulsory)

Не знайшли потрібну інформацію? Скористайтесь пошуком google:

Генерація сторінки за: 0.004 сек.