The UK education system consists of state schools, which are free, private schools which require payment, and grammar schools which require passing an exam for admission. Education is compulsory from ages 4 to 16. The school year runs from September to July and is divided into terms with holidays in October, Christmas, February, and Easter. Students take exams such as GCSEs and A-Levels. The typical school day lasts from 9am to 3:20pm with breaks for lunch and snacks. School uniforms vary by school but are common, and aim to reduce distractions and promote discipline.