The British system of education has several stages and types. It begins with pre-school options like nursery schools and playgroups. Next is primary school, which includes infant and junior stages. Secondary school then follows, with types including comprehensive, grammar, and private schools. Further education occurs after secondary school at colleges, sixth form colleges, or further education colleges. Higher education takes place at universities.
2. Types or stages?
secondary optional higher comprehensive
modern primary compulsory private
pre-school boarding public six-form college
further grammar preparatory infant day
tertiary college nursery single-sex junior
playgroups mixed state
11. Pre-school education
playgroupsNursery school
4/5−7
years
Compulsory
Primary education
Infant school
Junior school
8−11 years
11−13 years
Secondary education
Secondary Modern School
11/12−16
years Comprehensive school Grammar school
GCSE exam
Optional
Further Education
Tertiary Colleges Sixth form College of Further education
Private school
Preparatory school
Public schools 13−18
years
GCE-A Level "A"- Level exam GNVQ
Higher education
University or college
11−13
years
12. Pre-school education
playgroups
Compulsory
Primary education
Junior school8−11 years
Secondary education
GCSE exam
Optional
Tertiary Colleges Sixth form College of Further education
Private school
13−18
years
GCE-A Level "A"- Level exam GNVQ
University or college
11−13
years