Britain Explained: British Education System

Introduction

• Series Overview: "Britain Explained" aims to guide through aspects of British culture.
• Focus: British education system.
• Host: Tom from Eat Sleep Dream English.

Education System Overview

• Compulsory Education: Ages 5 to 16.
• National Curriculum (Introduced 1988): Framework to standardize learning across the country.

Types of Schools

• State Schools:
  • Free and government-funded.
  • Must follow the National Curriculum.
• Private (Independent) Schools:
  • Fee-paying.
  • Less strict adherence to the National Curriculum.
• Public Schools:
  • Elite and most expensive (e.g., Eton, Harrow).
  • Actually private despite the name.

School Structure

• Primary School: Ages 5-11 (similar to Elementary School in the US).
• Secondary School: Ages 11-16/18 (equivalent to High School in the US).
  • Comprehensive Schools: Open to all.
  • Grammar Schools: Academically focused.
  • Secondary Modern: Vocationally focused.
  • 11 Plus Exam: Determines entry to Grammar or Secondary Modern schools.

Exams and Qualifications

• GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education):
  • Taken at age 16 in around 9 subjects.
  • Core subjects: English, Maths, possibly Science.
  • Graded from A* to U.*

Post-16 Education

• Sixth Form (Ages 16-18):
  • A Levels: 3 or 4 subjects, graded A* to E.
  • Sixth Form College: Alternative to secondary school sixth form.
  • International Baccalaureate (IB): Alternative curriculum in some areas.*

Vocational Education

• BTech, NVQ, Apprenticeships:
  • Focus on practical skills (e.g., plumbing, carpentry).

Faith Schools

• Religious Affiliation:
  • Majority linked to Church of England, but include other religions.
  • Follow the National Curriculum with added religious education.

Higher Education

• University (Undergraduate):
  • One major subject, typically a 3-year degree (4 years in Scotland).
  • Finals: End-of-course exams.
  • Grading: First, 2:1, 2:2, Third.
  • Red Brick Universities: Prestigious institutions (e.g., Oxford, Cambridge).
• Postgraduate Education:
  • Master's Degree: 1-2 years.
  • PhD: Further academic study.

Additional Information

• University Terms:
  • "Uni" as shorthand for university.
  • "Freshers Week" for new students.

Engagement

• Discussion Prompt: Share educational experiences and exam equivalents from different countries.
• Membership Invitation: Join YouTube membership for extra content and live Q&A.
• Social Media: Follow for daily English content on Instagram and Facebook.

Conclusion

• Video Schedule: New content every Tuesday and Friday.
• Host Sign-Off: Tom encourages viewers to engage and learn more about British culture and education.