Introduction to the British academic system

educational stage	Schooling age	grade	types of school
primary education Primary Education	4-11 years old	Grades 0-6	Infant schools and primary schools Infant & Junior Schools
secondary education Secondary Education	11-16 years old	Grades 7-11	College of Arts, Sciences and Technology Comprehensive, Grammar, Technology Colleges
continuing education Further Education	16 years and over	Grades 12-13	Sixth Form College School of Continuing Education Sixth Form College,Futher Ed. College
higher education Higher Education	18 years and over		University institute of higher education University, Higher Ed. College

1. Primary Education Primary Education (4 to 11 years old)

Primary education is from 4 to 11 years old and is divided into infant school and junior school.

Two parts, in addition to separate kindergarten schools and primary schools, the more common school types are combined junior and infant

school , that is, a kindergarten school and a primary school are combined into one school, called Primary School .

2. Secondary Education (11 to 16 years old)

Secondary education covers ages from 11 to 16 years old, but can be subdivided according to age into the first stage from 11 to 14 years old, and the second stage from 14 to 16 years old.

➤Phase 1

Its teaching content is mainly based on basic compulsory subjects, including English and mathematics.

➤Second stage (GCSE stage)

Middle school students start studying for the two-year GCSE (General ) when they are 14 to 16 years old ( fourth and fifth grade ).

Certificate of Secondary Education (General Certificate of Secondary Education ) courses, students can

Choose the subjects you want to study based on your interests, expertise and future development. It is quite flexible and free. Most students

Will take 8 to 9 elective subjects ( usually at least five subjects, more outstanding students may elect ten subjects

above ) .

The GCSE exam taken by middle school students after completing the GCSE course is required after completing secondary education.

The general secondary education certificate obtained through the main examination can not only be used as a basis for further studies in applying for schools.

According to foreign sources, it is also helpful for graduates who want to enter the job market directly.

3. Further Education (after 16 years old)

Compulsory education in the UK ends at the age of 16. At this time, students can choose to continue with university preparatory courses and vocational training.

courses or employment. The university preparatory course focuses on preparation for university. After completing the two-year course, you can take A-level courses.

A-Level exams are the basic requirement for admission to all universities in the UK. A-Level courses usually last for

In the second year, the enrollment age is 16 to 18 years old, and there is considerable flexibility and freedom in choosing subjects.

➤ A-level majors

Subjects include: history, economics, natural sciences, French, geography, chemistry, mathematics, business studies, biology, art, design, computers, German, English, dance, etc. Students will be informed of the scope of study they have chosen at university , which subjects are the best matching choices. Usually students can choose three to four A-Level main subjects, which is ideal for students who need a wide range of choices at university. As for students who choose vocational training courses, they can enter the extended education college or technical college to receive the sixth form course (sixth Form) to study vocational courses. These schools provide vocational, professional, technical, handicraft, art design and other courses, including interior design, clothing Design, beauty therapy, travel, sightseeing and more.

4. Higher education

Higher education institutions include universities, higher education colleges, art and design colleges, etc. The education target is 18 years old

The above group of students. Admission to higher education is selective and students can obtain diplomas, bachelor's degrees and postgraduate qualifications.

Comparison table of British and Taiwanese academic systems

age	Taiwan academic system		British academic system				American academic system
5-6			primary school	First grade			primary school
6-7	primary school	Primary one		second grade				First grade
7-8		Waiter		Third grade				second grade
8-9		mistress		fourth grade				Third grade
9-10		mistress		Fifth grade				fourth grade
10-11		Xiao Wu		sixth grade				Fifth grade
11-12		little six	junior high school	Seventh grade			junior high school	sixth grade
12-13	junior high school	Kunichi		Eighth grade				Seventh grade
13-14		Second grade		Ninth grade				Eighth grade
14-15		National Three	HKCEE courses	Year 10 (GCSE)			high school	Ninth grade
15-16	high school	First year of high school		Year 11 (GCSE)				tenth grade
16-17		Sophomore year of high school	academic courses	Grade 12 (A-Level)	National Vocational Diploma (ND)	Vocational courses		eleventh grade
17-18		Senior year of high school		Grade 13 (A-Level)	National Vocational Diploma (ND)			Grade 12
18-19	University	Freshman year	university courses	Freshman year	Higher Vocational Diploma (HND)		University	Freshman year
19-20		Sophomore year		Sophomore year	Higher Vocational Diploma (HND)			Sophomore year
20-21		Junior year		Junior year				Junior year
21-22		Senior year	Graduate courses	master				Senior year
22-23	graduate School	master ( two years )		PhD			graduate School	Master's degree ( second year )
23-24
24-25		PhD PHD ( three years or more )						Doctoral degree (PHD for more than three years )
25-26
26-27