Studying in England: an education system for locals and foreigners

The English education system is recognized as one of the best. She is also very conservative due to her age. The first educational institutions appeared here in the XII century, and to this day a high level of teaching and strict discipline are valued above all else in English schools and universities.

British universities occupy the top positions in all kinds of rankings for the quality of education. That is why studying in England is the dream and goal of many applicants, including Russians. Before applying abroad, you need to find out the specifics of studying in the UK for foreigners, see options for schools and universities, as well as requirements for admission.

Education system in the UK

The British education system took several centuries to develop. There are two sectors of education in the country:

• state – studies are free;
• private , involving payment for private educational institutions.

Education in England takes place in four stages:

1. Primary – children enter at the age of 5 and study until the age of 11.
2. Secondary – lasts from 11 to 16 years.
3. After – school – lasts from 16 to 18 years old.
4. Higher education – from the age of 18.

The third stage is conditional. Children can study in high school, or they can go to college and study specialized subjects.

Features of training for foreigners

Higher education is paid for everyone, including the British themselves. You can apply by confirming your knowledge of the English language and passing the required exams. If you intend to study subjects at a British university, you have the option of initially enrolling in one of the international colleges. Here you can catch up with the school curriculum and fully prepare for admission.

Prices for educational services

Foreigners are required to pay for school tuition. The cost of education in a primary public school reaches 5,000 pounds per year, in private this figure will rise to 7,000 pounds per year and more.

Higher education institutions are slightly more expensive. Tuition will cost 7000-15000 pounds per year. Elite universities (for example, Oxford) will take even more – up to 25,000 pounds per year.

Classification of schools by age of students

Preschool education

Presented by nurseries and kindergartens. This period is limited to 2 to 7 years of age. However, most British children attend such schools for only a couple of years – from 2 to 4.

Kindergartens are paid, and their price is much higher than in other European countries. State kindergartens are usually designed for 2-3 hours of children staying in them – they resemble courses or circles.

Preschool education focuses on the development of abilities, learning to read, write and count. It is considered one of the best in the world, as most children already have the listed skills when entering primary school.

Preparatory education

Many private schools practice so-called preparatory education. Children are sent to study at the age of five, and teachers are actively preparing them for entering primary school, teaching them basic skills – reading and writing.

Primary school education

In elementary school, the British study about ten disciplines. In the first year, they focus only on the basics of mathematics, English, and English literature. After a while, humanitarian, computer and scientific disciplines, as well as foreign languages ​​are added to the study.

Primary education in the UK is more like our kindergarten, where children are entertained and played with. Much time is devoted to creativity, walks and sports. Teachers try primarily to develop communication skills and help the child gain self-confidence.

Secondary school education

From the age of 11, secondary school education begins. It lasts up to 16-17 years and is obligatory for all citizens. Studying in the UK in high school combines two basic stages:

• 11-14 years old, is called Key Stage 3;
• 14-17 years old, called Key Stage 4.

2 years after starting secondary school, you must pass a general exam, which includes about ten subjects. Among them are the Latin script, Welsh and Irish languages. Having successfully passed them, you can continue learning. After that, students undergo career guidance in order to understand what subjects they have abilities and interests in.

Upon completion, each student receives a GCSE certificate. Then you can continue to study and prepare for admission to a higher educational institution or go to work. Compulsory education for the British ends in high school.

Education from the age of 16

If the student is not going to immediately go to work after the GSCE exam, he can continue his studies and stay at school for another 2 years. It was at this time that active preparation for entering the university begins.

Those who wish to continue their studies go to the A-level course. Each year ends with compulsory certification exams. The student himself chooses what he wants to study, depending on the goals of the future admission.

In the first year, he must choose 4-5 subjects, in the second year – 3-4 disciplines. There is not a single subject that is compulsory for all students. The general education school offers about 20 disciplines. The prospective student chooses exactly those who will then determine his specialty.

Study in England for Russians begins precisely with the A-level stage, that is, preparation for the institute. Without it, there is practically no chance of admission.

Education from the age of 18

After completing the A-level course and successfully passing the school exams, students have the opportunity to move to vocational or higher education. They choose the direction based on their abilities and preferences.

Secondary education

Higher education

It is paid for both the British and the guests of the island. However, there are free tuition programs for the best students. Local citizens have some privileges, for example, the possibility of partial payment. Higher education is possible from the age of 18. It includes:

• bachelor’s degree;
• magistracy;
• doctoral degree.

Studying for a bachelor’s degree lasts 3-4 years. Usually, with a four-year study, the last year is aimed at obtaining knowledge of the first master’s degree. After successful graduation, the student has the right to go to work in the chosen field, or continue to study in:

• Master’s degree – implies research activities, lasts about two years;
• postgraduate studies – improving knowledge lasts three years.

Few people know that the educational system of Britain was the basis for the popular and used in many countries Bologna system. The academic year differs from the usual one for our students (semesters or quarters) and consists of three terms. Students attend standard lectures and seminars, but a lot of attention is also paid to self-study and tutorials. This concept refers to the performance of work by small groups of students with supervisors.

Progress is constantly monitored through coursework, research projects and essays, and there are mandatory exams at the end of the year. The scoring is different. In some institutions, it is displayed as a percentage.

Conservatism does not prevent the British from regularly working on the educational system and improving it. Universities are constantly being equipped with new tools and technologies, teaching is also amenable to change and new methods.

Classification of schools by gender of students

There are the following types of schools in Britain:

• Mixed is a standard variety, familiar to our realities. Both sexes are trained in them. Proponents of blended learning emphasize that from an early age, a child learns to communicate and interact with the opposite sex. Also, the opposite sex enhances motivation for learning and self-development.
• For girls – educational institutions in which only girls study. This type of school also has many advocates. Girls develop emotionally and physically much faster, so in such a school they will not have to adapt to the capabilities of the opposite sex. They are distinguished by better discipline and are not distracted by “love”, therefore they study better and show better results.
• For boys – educational institutions in which only boys study. This is argued by the fact that they are very active and mobile, therefore they require a different approach and more sports activities. The criteria for success also differ – the emphasis is on leadership and self-confidence.

Features of English education

All citizens of the country must receive an English education in the period from 5 to 16 years. Parents can send their children to a public or private school, based on their wishes and possibilities. The first method is affordable and free, while not everyone can afford private education.

Also, this country is distinguished by a variety of types of schools. Pensions, which first appeared several centuries ago, are widespread here. Children not only study, but also live in such schools.

Preschool education system

Preschool education is an important component of the educational cycle. Children study in kindergartens from 2 to 7 years old. However, most parents decide to send their child to primary school at the age of 4-5 years.

Scholarships, grants for international students

English education has many advantages, but not everyone can afford it. To increase international status, some universities offer scholarships and grants to international students. Also, an educational institution may be interested in attracting specialists to certain (usually not in demand) industries, therefore they recruit students for budget places. However, this possibility is very rare. It is impossible to enter a medical institute for a budgetary place.

Students who have distinguished themselves during their studies can receive grants or discounts. This can be based on academic success, participation in conferences or sporting events.

Prestige of universities

British universities rank high in international rankings. This means that diplomas are accepted all over the world, and graduates easily find well-paid jobs.

Universities are regularly tested, confirm the quality of teaching and improve teaching methods.

High level of material base

Students get all the opportunities for a full and comprehensive study of their discipline. We have laboratories, extensive libraries, workshops and technology at our disposal. Research and development projects are carried out on a regular basis.

Centuries-old traditions

Studying in the UK means becoming a part of the centuries-old culture of this country. The educational structure combines classical and innovative methods. They complement each other perfectly.

The opportunity to study at the same time in the Russian Federation

The convenient geographical position greatly facilitates travel between Russia and Foggy Albion. While studying in England, you can study remotely at the correspondence department in the Russian Federation and go on vacation to the session. The trip is coordinated with the management of the educational institution.

Types and types of schools in the UK

Schools are:

• private;
• state.

There is a separate type of school based on religion. They first accept children who regularly attend a particular church.

Gender matters, institutions are also divided into:

• mixed;
• for boys;
• for girls.

Schools are divided by age of students. There are full-cycle institutions where children study from 2 to 18 years old. There are separate institutions for preschoolers, junior and senior students, as well as for preparation for entering the university.

Rating of schools and prices for studying in them

Based on academic performance, the list of the best schools in the country includes:

1. The Perse School. Cost – from 20,000 pounds per year.
2. Westminster School. Cost – from 11,000 pounds per year.
3. King’s College School Wimbledon. Cost – from 6,500 pounds per year.
4. Queen Ethelburga’s College. Cost – from 12,000 pounds per year.
5. Concord College. Cost – from 13,000 pounds per year.

Study options for Russians in England

Those wishing to study in England should understand that it is almost impossible to do this without a financial base. It is possible to become a student of a British university after passing special programs:

• A-level. A two-year study of disciplines related to future higher education.
• Foundation. Intensive study of English and several selected subjects lasts 1 year.

The cost of studying in England for Russian citizens should also include accommodation and meals.

Benefits of private education for Russians and other foreigners

British private schools are highly qualified specialists, with excellent infrastructure and material base, in-depth study of subjects. All these advantages allow considering these educational institutions as a place for foreigners to study.