Education in England

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== Education in England ==

Education in England is overseen by the Department for Education and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. Local authorities (LAs) take responsibility for implementing policy for public education and state-funded schools at a local level. The education system is divided into stages based upon age: Early Years Foundation Stage, Primary education, Secondary education, and Tertiary education.

Early Years Foundation Stage

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the framework for children up to the age of five, setting standards for learning, development, and care. It is mandatory for all schools and Ofsted-registered early years providers.

Primary Education

Primary education in England is for children aged 4 to 11. It is divided into two key stages: Key Stage 1 (ages 4-7) and Key Stage 2 (ages 7-11). Primary schools are usually mixed-sex and are either state-funded or independent.

Secondary Education

Secondary education covers the age group 11 to 18. It is divided into Key Stage 3 (ages 11-14) and Key Stage 4 (ages 14-16). At the end of Key Stage 4, students take the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams. Post-16 education, also known as Further Education, includes A-levels, BTECs, and other qualifications.

Tertiary Education

Tertiary education in England includes both Higher Education and Further Education. Higher Education is provided by universities and other institutions that award academic degrees, such as Bachelor's degrees, Master's degrees, and Doctorates. Further Education includes any study after secondary education that is not part of Higher Education, such as vocational training and apprenticeships.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

The Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) framework ensures that children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities receive the support they need to succeed in education. This includes tailored education plans and additional resources.

School Types

There are several types of schools in England, including:

• State schools: Funded by the government and free to attend.
• Academies: Publicly funded independent schools.
• Free schools: Funded by the government but not controlled by the local authority.
• Independent schools: Privately funded through tuition fees and other sources.

Curriculum

The National Curriculum sets out the subjects and content to be taught in state schools. It includes core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, as well as foundation subjects such as History, Geography, and Physical Education.

Assessment and Examinations

Students in England are assessed at various stages through standardized tests and examinations. Key assessments include:

• SATs: Standard Assessment Tests taken at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
• GCSEs: Taken at the end of Key Stage 4.
• A-levels: Advanced level qualifications taken after GCSEs, typically in the final two years of secondary education.

Related Pages

• Department for Education
• Early Years Foundation Stage
• Primary education
• Secondary education
• Further education
• Higher education
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• National Curriculum
• General Certificate of Secondary Education
• A-levels