In this Tag Archive you can find all of the articles on our site related to the UK School System: and the parts it is made up of.
The UK School System covers about 13 – 15 years of schooling. Most children start a form of schooling at Nursery level, by the age of 3. From Nursery to Reception usually involves starting in a more formalised schooling system. Then the real choices are made. Some parents make use of state-funded schooling for the first few years, while others choose only independent schools. Some parents only use state-funded schools. Parents also have various options. Firstly, primary school, pre-preparatory school or preparatory school, followed by secondary school, sixth form or college.
State-funded schools have to abide by the National Curriculum and other statutory requirements. Independent schools have much more freedom. We try and provide a balanced view of the UK School System through our articles in this archive. With a clear focus on private school and grammar school entrance, these systems might be highlighted slightly more.
What is the Common Entrance Exam Pass Mark? Typically, the average pass mark is between 55 – 60%. Although there are difficulty levels. The standard of work for Common Entrance in most subjects is in advance of a student’s academic age. Some subjects, such as English, involve working at GCSE level. What is the Common Entrance…
International Baccalaureate Results Day 2019 5th July — International Baccalaureate (IB) Results Day. A very exciting and inspiring day. Passing your IB Diploma is a fantastic achievement, one you should be immensely proud of, but what actually happens on Results Day itself and what options do you have? IB results are issued on 5 July…
Whether you want to be the next Richard Branson or simply don’t want to go onto further education, there are plenty of options if you leave school with just your GCSEs. So you’ve just done your GCSEs, what next? While many people choose to go on to do A-Levels and a degree at University, it…
It’s not just exam results that will get your son or daughter set for career success. If all that your child leaves school, university or an apprenticeship with is grades, they may have a very difficult time in the job market. Start setting your child up for success now Even if your son or daughter…
The focus of this page is What are the new GCSE pass marks? Introduction to the new GCSE pass marks? You may be used to the GCSE pass grade being a ‘C’. However, the new GCSE pass grade is a GCSE Grade 4. Thus, GCSE Grade 7 approximates to the ‘old school’ GCSE grade ‘A’. The…
Firstly, we have a look at the different types of 11 Plus tests independent schools use for school entrance. The different exam boards, where you still find 11 Plus and content covered by each. Key 11 Plus Exam Board Differences CEM, GL and CSSE 11 Plus exams CEM and GL are two different exam boards…
With the upcoming exam times, the following primary school league tables might give you a good indication of which schools are performing. If you are looking for a good primary school so your child is prepared for a place in a good secondary school It’s not so easy choosing the right primary school for your…
Our latest Pupil Pulpit guest blog comes from Eve, aged 14, who relates her recent personal experiences of selecting her GCSE Options. PUPIL PULPIT – Eve’s GCSE Options Recently I made my options decision for GCSE. The choices or amount of freedom varies from school to school but I had to choose between history and geography,…
It’s a dilemma that many parents face. Should they spend the money and send their child to a Private School? Or is going down the Grammar School route a better option? Of course, much depends on where you live. If you live in London or other big cities such as Birmingham or Brighton, finding a…
What Are Montessori Schools? If you’ve been searching for a nursery for your child, you may have come across the term Montessori School. But what does that mean, exactly? These schools follow an educational movement developed by the Italian doctor and educator, Maria Montessori, in the early twentieth century. Dr Montessori’s educational philosophy is based…
Everyone knows education is one of the most valued things in our culture; it shapes young minds that take us into our terrifying future. Children starting school in September 2019 won’t be retiring until around 2090. We children have to be taught how to survive in the world in 30 years. Yet we don’t know…
Designing School Grounds to assist Learning and Teaching School grounds can provide an enormously valuable resource for learning and teaching – for any subject, at short notice and for little or no cost. So it’s vitally important that their capacity to support curriculum delivery and opportunities for learning through play are considered in their design.…
As private schools make offers to students, we look at the most prestigious private schools in the UK Getting into the most prestigious private schools Over the coming weeks, you will find out whether your child has been successful in getting into his or her private school of choice. Fingers crossed you get the one…
There are many private schools, independent school and public school differences. Public school differences A private school is a school that is not financed by the State but by school fees paid by parents. Private schools can catertor any age group and there is a considerable range in the size of the fees they charge.…
These private school league tables 2019 make a fascinating read for anyone looking at which secondary schools to send their children to. This year’s results reveal that state schools are starting to close the gap in the independent sector. Sunday Times Parent Power – Sunday Times School League tables. Private School league tables 2019 Who…
The top Private Girls Schools in London offer an excellent academic education. Living in London, or relocating here? Many education experts believe that girls’ only education is best for girls. This will, of course, depend on your daughter and the best environment for her. To help with your choice, see five of our top picks below: Central…
Children are missing out on their chosen schools with many oversubscribed schools, especially in big cities. However, the situation varies considerably across the UK. We look at some of the areas where demand is outstripping supply. 11 plus test papers Our first 11 plus practice test bundle contains the following 11 plus practice tests: 11…
We want the best education for our children; we want them to reach their full potential and to remain healthy in mind and body in the process. What’s the best education for my children? Private or grammar school education? We cannot predict where their journey will take them or when their talents may begin to…
How are T Levels subjects explained? Our ‘T Levels explained’ blog gives all the details you need on these new technical qualifications. T Levels subjects explained They are designed as two-year courses to offer young people aged 16 to 18 a technical alternative to A levels to prepare them for a skilled job or further…
Welcome to our London independent schools entrance guide. Our other 11+ blog entries are listed at the bottom of this page. London independent schools entrance guide Navigating the independent education system This blog endeavours to touch on the following issues within the independent education system; What ages for which stage? Which pre-school? When to go…
What are the key points to remember when asking for a private school bursary? Want to send your child to private school, but don’t have the necessary funds? We give you some top private school bursary tips below. Asking for a private school bursary The cost of private schools continues to increase above the rate…
Everything you need to know – here are our 11 Plus application tips. 11 Plus Application Tips Plus, the differences in your grammar school application are detailed below. Grammar schools are state secondary schools which select their pupils by means of an examination taken by children at age 10 or 11. This is known as…
In this GL Assessment CAT4 Tests Practice Intro, we will discuss all details surrounding the CAT4 and it’s uses. Parents’ Guide to the CAT4 Most schools inform parents about CAT4 tests in advance. As a result, parents get to know their plans and expectations from students. However, pupils are advised against making preparations for the…
When do school open days take place and what do I look for at school open days are answered in the blog below. What to look for at a secondary school Open Day Is your child starting secondary school next September? Then now is a good time to start planning school open days or evenings.…
In this Lucid Tests – Lucid Reading Test blog, we have a look at the different Lucid Tests and their uses. GL Assessments distribute the Lucid test portfolio. The tests are used to screen and diagnose learners with specific learning difficulties. They are also very useful in identifying potential and understanding learners’ strengths and weaknesses.…
We hope you find our 11 plus tips for parents helpful. Let’s start with when you should start your 11 Plus 2019 entry and 11+ preparation? How much 11 Plus practice does your child need? Our Top 11 Plus Tips for Busy Parents 2019 entry and 11 Plus preparation One of the big issues is…
Welcome to our 11+ blog entry called ‘When is 11 Plus results day?’. Our other 11+ blog entries are listed at the bottom of this page. 11 plus test papers Our first 11 plus practice test bundle contains the following 11 plus practice tests: 11 Plus English Test One || 11 Plus Maths Test One…
Welcome to our blog on How to make common app. How to make common app COMMON APPLICATION FORM 2019 There are often stories of disappointment from people allocated schools that they find to be inappropriate or even unacceptable for their child. Although there are various reasons that this may happen it often boils down to the…