Culture Corner
The Education System in the UK Education in the UK is compulsory for everyone between the ages of five and sixteen. It is provided by two kinds of schools: government and private. Private schools are considered better than government schools but are usually quite expensive. Kindergarten. At the age of three or four, many children start at nursery schools or kindergartens. Here children do not learn any subjects. Instead they learn how to play with other children in preparation for school. Primary. Children start their formal education at five. In primary school, students learn the basic skills and knowledge that they will need for the rest of their education. Secondary. At eleven, students enter secondary school. They take the state exams or GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at the age of sixteen.