Overview of the British Educational System

Age
Establishment
Qualifications
6-12 years Primary School: There are both "state" (i.e. funded directly by the government) and "independent" schools (i.e. fee paying schools) Regular testing of the student’s progress in reading writing and mathematical skills.
Pupils wishing to progress to Secondary Schools, particularly in the independent sector are require to pass an Entrance Examination (known as "The Common Entrance") aimed at 12, 13 and 14 year olds. Some independent schools have their own entry examination either in addition to, or instead of, the Common Entrance examination.
12 - 18 years Secondary School:
Again, there are both state and independent schools		 Age 16: General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE):
(See below for further explanation). GCSEs enable the student to go on to study A Levels.

Age 18: Advanced Level (A Level):
See below for further explanation.
18-21 years University / Higher Education Degree / Professional Qualification

Qualifications
GCSEs and A Levels are the two main public examinations (i.e. successful candidates gain qualifications which are universally recognised as valid by employers and by Higher education).

General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE):
Taken at age 16, students select approximately 8 subjects from the following:

Obligatory:

  • English, and
  • Mathematics

    • Options:

  • Modern Languages (e.g. French, German, Italian);
  • Classical Languages (e.g. Latin & Greek);
  • The Sciences (Biology, Physics & Chemistry);
  • History;
  • Geography;
  • Technology & Design

    • Advanced Level (A Levels):
    Taken at age 18, these are designed as a university qualification. Students specialise in 3 subjects of their choice, usually grouped together in Humanities, Languages, Sciences. These qualifications are aimed at preparing the student for their chosen profession / career, and provide a comprehensive foundation for their University work.

    The English Tutorial Centre Oxford is able to provide tuition of the highest standard to foreign students to gain the above qualifications in preparation for University entrance. We have a pool of experienced tutors in the core subjects, bilingual in Russian, German and French.

    3 All Saints Close, Marcham, Abingdon,
    Oxford, OX13 6PE, England
    Telephone 44 (0) 1865 391193, Fax 44 (0) 1865 391186
    Email enquiries@tetco.co.uk