UKSchool

UK Education From school to university

This page is intended to give a view for people not familiar with the UK educational system, and therefore is a very simple view. It is intended to allow comparisons
This is based upon the typical education of a UK chemical engineer. Unfortunately,the final school qualifications are currently changing! Details of the qualifications framework in England, Wales and Northern Ireland are given by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority
The situation in Scotland is slightly different, but they are also changing. Details are given by the Scottish Qualifications Authority.

Age Examination/ Event Comment

5 Primary School start of compulsory schooling - National Curriculum

11 Secondary School mostly state comprehensive, some independent and/or selective schools

14 Start of GCSE studies General Certificate of Secondary Education.
2-year studies of various subjects

16 GCSE English, Maths, Double Science
plus options, normally including a language (French, German, Spanish) End of compulsory schooling.
Academically able students take 5 GCSEs and get grades A-C. Lower grades (D, E) provide some measure of achievement for less able students.

18 A levels: potential applicants for chemical engineering take Chemistry, Maths and typically Physics or Biology. 3 GCE Advanced Levels (2 years study) are the main qualification for university. Students can take Advanced Supplementary (AS) worth half an A level after 1 year in most subjects, allowing a broader range, or change of direction. Pass grades are A to E. N is a near-pass, U is unclassified.

18+ Entry to University
Normally grades A-C in 3 A levels or equivalent combination of A and AS Universities and departments can offer a place for anywhere between AAA and EE (plus GCSE grade C in English and Maths). Chemical Engineering Departments typically ask for ABB-BCC in the appropriate subjects.

The above relates to England and Northern Ireland. Wales is very similar, though there are different authorities in charge.
Schools in Scotland can offer GCSEs and A levels, but most students will take Scottish Qualifications Certificate (SQC) which is a statement of subjects taken from Access, Intermediate (similar to GCSE), Higher (similar to AS levels) and Advanced Higher (similar to A levels). Traditionally, students may enter Scottish universities with an appropriate set of Higher subjects, but if they have good A levels, or Advanced Highers they may go directly to the second year. Scottish degrees are therefore one year longer than English ones.

Some students get other qualifications in the UK which can lead to University entry.
These include

International Baccalaureate (broader but not so advanced as A levels)
National Vocational Qualifications (not very suitable for chemical engineers)
Access Courses (for mature people without sufficient formal qualifications, e.g. some people working in industry who wish to advance their careers - also used to upgrade some foreign qualifications)
Foundation Courses (a preliminary year at University, e.g. for students with the wrong combination of A levels)

Onward to University in the UK

this page by Martin Pitt email m.j.pitt@sheffield.ac.uk December 2000

Age	Examination/ Event	Comment
5	Primary School	start of compulsory schooling - National Curriculum
11	Secondary School	mostly state comprehensive, some independent and/or selective schools
14	Start of GCSE studies	General Certificate of Secondary Education. 2-year studies of various subjects
16	GCSE English, Maths, Double Science plus options, normally including a language (French, German, Spanish)	End of compulsory schooling. Academically able students take 5 GCSEs and get grades A-C. Lower grades (D, E) provide some measure of achievement for less able students.
18	A levels: potential applicants for chemical engineering take Chemistry, Maths and typically Physics or Biology.	3 GCE Advanced Levels (2 years study) are the main qualification for university. Students can take Advanced Supplementary (AS) worth half an A level after 1 year in most subjects, allowing a broader range, or change of direction. Pass grades are A to E. N is a near-pass, U is unclassified.
18+	Entry to University Normally grades A-C in 3 A levels or equivalent combination of A and AS	Universities and departments can offer a place for anywhere between AAA and EE (plus GCSE grade C in English and Maths). Chemical Engineering Departments typically ask for ABB-BCC in the appropriate subjects.