The British Education System

What is an independent school?

In the United Kingdom, schools are either provided by the local government authority (state schools) and are free for all
pupils, or they are independent schools and charge fees to the parents of the pupils. Almost all the schools taking part in the HMC
Projects Scholarship Scheme are independent schools. In the United Kingdom independent schools have an excellent reputation for
high standards of teaching and learning and almost all pupils go on to prestigious universities when they leave. There are also
many excellent state schools, three of which award scholarships through HMC Projects. Scholarships to state schools can only be
offered to students from countries in the EEA.
Is school education the same throughout the United Kingdom?
There are fundamental similarities. For instance, all boys and girls must attend full-time education until the age of 16.
Many pupils stay on at school after that age to prepare themselves for university or other careers. In the independent schools,
most pupils stay at school until the age of 18 and nearly all pupils go on to university after they leave school.
There are also significant divergences between practice in England and Wales, on the one hand, and Scotland.
In England and Wales, the government introduced a National Curriculum in 1988. This provides a framework for education
between the ages of 5 - 18. All state schools are required to follow it. Independent schools are not required to follow the National
Curriculum in all its details, but they must show that they provide a good all-round education and they are inspected regularly
every few years.
How does National Curriculum work?
The National Curriculum is constructed in five Key Stages:

Key Stage 1 - Foundation year and Years 1 to 2 - for pupils aged between 5 and 7 years old

Key Stage 2 - Years 3 to 6 - for pupils aged between 8 and 11 years old
Key Stage 3 - Years 7 to 9 - for pupils aged between 12 and 14 years old,
Key Stage 4 - Years 10 to 11 - for pupils aged between 15 and 16 years old, and

Key Stage 5 - Years 12 to 13 - for pupils aged between 17 and 18 years old.
In state schools each year that a pupil studies is given a number. Primary education starts in Year 1. Most pupils begin
their secondary education at the age of 11 (Year 7), but in some HMC schools pupils join the school at 13+ (Year 9). At the age of
16 (the end of Key stage 4 and Year 11), all pupils take a series of exams called the General Certificate of Secondary Education
(GCSE), usually in about eight to ten subjects, which must include English and Mathematics. Key Stage 5 is for pupils aged 16-18
(sometimes 19) and most schools take Advanced Level exams after a two-year course.
Almost all HMC Projects Scholars enter the first year of Key Stage 5. All pupils entering Year 12 (of the thirteen years of
the National Curriculum) are beginning new courses at this point in their education.
In Scotland, pupils move to secondary education at the age of 12. At the age of 16 they take exams called Standard
Grades and then move on to Highers and Advanced Highers. These are very similar to the English Advanced Subsidiary and
Advanced Level courses.
How many subjects do HMC Projects scholars study?

i) Advanced levels: For the Advanced Level programme (Key Stage 5), nearly all pupils study three or,
exceptionally, four subjects for two years and take examinations in these only at the end of the second year. They may also take
one or even two additional subjects for one year only at Advanced Subsidiary (AS) level and take examinations in these at the end
of the year. Some schools will offer examinations at AS level to pupils in those subjects they are studying for A level at the end of
the first year of the two-year course. Universities use Advanced Levels as entry qualifications.

ii) Scottish Highers: Students will take at least five subjects at Higher Level, reducing to three or four for their
Advanced Higher courses.

iii) International Baccalaureate (IB): Increasing numbers of HMC schools are taking pupils for the International
Baccalaureate, which is a parallel course to Advanced Levels and equally well used by universities for entry qualifications. The IB
requires students to take courses in six subjects, three at higher level and three at lower level. Students are also required to take
a course in the theory of knowledge, to write a long essay and to undertake some community service. This course is very similar to
the Baccalaureate courses which are commonly studied in Europe.
How is the daily timetable organised?
Each school organises its timetable differently. Lessons might last 35, 40, 45, 55 or 60 minutes! For each subject, a
student will attend classes for about 5 hours a week, and is also expected to undertake at least 6 hours private study. Students will
usually also attend classes in General Studies, or Philosophy, or other similar subjects. There will also be time given to Physical
Education or Sport, whether or not these are taken as subjects for studying. In England and Wales and in some Scottish schools
the two years of Advanced Level, or International Baccalaureate study are often called "Sixth Form", but - once again - each school
is different!
What activities are organised outside lessons?
Along with sport, schools offer a substantial programme of "extra-curricular activities"; that is, activities which are able to
offer students a wide range of experiences, intellectual, cultural and relaxing. Music, drama, science and literary societies are
offered in all schools, and there will be opportunities for outdoor education and other leisure activities. Visits to theatres and
concerts, to places relevant to the courses of study (such as art galleries and museums, religious centres or historical sites,
scientific companies and projects) are all part of life in a school Sixth Form.
Will the qualifications obtained in the UK be recognised back in my own country?
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You will need to check with your own country's education authorities, and your country's universities to find out if they
recognise and give credit for UK qualifications. Many do, but you need to ask about this in your own country.
Can I study for my own National examinations during my year in the UK?
Again, you must check with your own country's rules about this. Some countries involved in the HMC Scheme require
their National Examinations to be taken in the homeland, but others are prepared to let students take the exams in the UK under
proper supervision. You can certainly study for your home country's exams while you are in the UK, but you need to think carefully
about how much extra work that will involve.
Will my qualifications that I get in the UK help me to enter a British university?
Yes, but remember that your scholarship will initially be for one year only, although many schools have been happy to
extend the scholarship for a second year. Depending on your course, this second year allows you to take the A level, Scottish
Advanced Higher or IB exams (see above) which are used for UK University entry. Not all schools in the HMC Scheme are able to
do this, however, so please do not assume that a second year in a UK will be available. You will also need to look at the fees which
British Universities will charge: these are generally much higher for students from outside the EEA, compared to the charge made
to students from within the EEA. It is not uncommon for a scholar from outside the EEA to have to decline a very attractive offer
from some of the finest universities in the UK, like Oxford or Cambridge, simply because the tuition fees are unaffordable. Visa
requirements are also different for students at universities in the UK from those you may have dealt with as a school scholarship
student. Some careful research is necessary for each country!
Understanding the American Education System
The American education system offers a rich field of choices for international students. There is such an array of schools,
programs and locations that the choices may overwhelm students, even those from the U.S. As you begin your school search, its
important to familiarize yourself with the American education system. Understanding the system will help you narrow your choices
and develop your education plan.
The Educational Structure
Primary and Secondary School
Prior to higher education, American students attend primary and secondary school for a combined total of 12 years. These
years are referred to as the first through twelfth grades.
Around age six, U.S. children begin primary school, which is most commonly called elementary school. They attend five
or six years and then go onto secondary school.
Secondary school consists of two programs: the first is middle school or junior high school and the second program is
high school. A diploma or certificate is awarded upon graduation from high school. After graduating high school (12th grade),
U.S. students may go on to college or university. College or university study is known as higher education.
Grading System
Just like American students, you will have to submit your academic transcripts as part of your application for admission to
university or college. Academic transcripts are official copies of your academic work. In the U.S. this includes your grades and
grade point average (GPA), which are measurements of your academic achievement. Courses are commonly graded using
percentages, which are converted into letter grades.
The grading system and GPA in the U.S. can be confusing, especially for international students. The interpretation of
grades has a lot of variation. For example, two students who attended different schools both submit their transcripts to the same
university. They both have 3.5 GPAs, but one student attended an average high school, while the other attended a prestigious
school that was academically challenging. The university might interpret their GPAs differently because the two schools have
dramatically different standards.
Therefore, there are some crucial things to keep in mind:

You should find out the U.S. equivalent of the last level of education you completed in your home country.

Pay close attention to the admission requirements of each university and college, as well as individual degree
programs, which may have different requirements than the university.

Regularly meet with an educational advisor or guidance counselor to make sure you are meeting the
requirements.
Your educational advisor or guidance counselor will be able to advise you on whether or not you must spend an extra year
or two preparing for U.S. university admission. If an international student entered a U.S. university or college prior to being eligible
to attend university in their own country, some countries governments and employers may not recognize the students U.S.
education.
Academic Year
The school calendar usually begins in August or September and continues through May or June. The majority of new
students begin in autumn, so it is a good idea for international students to also begin their U.S. university studies at this time.
There is a lot of excitement at the beginning of the school year and students form many great friendships during this time, as they
are all adjusting to a new phase of academic life. Additionally, many courses are designed for students to take them in sequence,
starting in autumn and continuing through the year.
The academic year at many schools is composed of two terms called semesters. (Some schools use a three-term
calendar known as the trimester system.) Still, others further divide the year into the quarter system of four terms, including an
optional summer session. Basically, if you exclude the summer session, the academic year is either comprised of two semesters or
three quarter terms.
The U.S. Higher Education System: Levels of Study

First Level: Undergraduate

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"The American system is much more open. In Hong Kong you just learn what the teacher writes on the
board. In America, you discuss the issues and focus more on ideas."
A student who is attending a college or university and has not earned a bachelors degree, is studying at the
undergraduate level. It typically takes about four years to earn a bachelors degree. You can either begin your studies in pursuit of
a bachelors degree at a community college or a four-year university or college.
Your first two years of study you will generally be required to take a wide variety of classes in different subjects,
commonly known as prerequisite courses: literature, science, the social sciences, the arts, history, and so forth. This is so you
achieve a general knowledge, a foundation, of a variety of subjects prior to focusing on a specific field of study.
Many students choose to study at a community college in order to complete the first two years of prerequisite courses.
They will earn an Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree and then transfer to a four-year university or college.
A major is the specific field of study in which your degree is focused. For example, if someones major is journalism,
they will earn a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. You will be required to take a certain number of courses in this field in order to
meet the degree requirements of your major. You must choose your major at the beginning of your third year of school.
A very unique characteristic of the American higher education system is that you can change your major multiple times if
you choose. It is extremely common for American students to switch majors at some point in their undergraduate studies. Often,
students discover a different field that they excel in or enjoy. The American education system is very flexible. Keep in mind though
that switching majors may result in more courses, which means more time and money.

Second Level: Graduate in Pursuit of a Masters Degree

Presently, a college or university graduate with a bachelors degree may want to seriously think about graduate study in
order to enter certain professions or advance their career. This degree is usually mandatory for higher-level positions in library
science, engineering, behavioral health and education.
Furthermore, international students from some countries are only permitted to study abroad at a graduate level. You
should inquire about the credentials needed to get a job in your country before you apply to a postgraduate university in the USA.
A graduate program is usually a division of a university or college. To gain admission, you will need to take the GRE
(graduate record examination). Certain masters programs require specific tests, such as the LSAT for law school, the GRE or GMAT
for business school, and the MCAT for medical school.
Graduate programs in pursuit of a masters degree typically take one to two years to complete. For example, the MBA
(master of business administration) is an extremely popular degree program that takes about two years. Other masters programs,
such as journalism, only take one year.
The majority of a masters program is spent in classroom study and a graduate student must prepare a long research
paper called a masters thesis or complete a masters project.

Third Level: Graduate in Pursuit of a Doctorate Degree

Many graduate schools consider the attainment of a masters degree the first step towards earning a PhD (doctorate). But
at other schools, students may prepare directly for a doctorate without also earning a masters degree. It may take three years or
more to earn a PhD degree. For international students, it may take as long as five or six years.
For the first two years of the program most doctoral candidates enroll in classes and seminars. At least another year is
spent conducting firsthand research and writing a thesis or dissertation. This paper must contain views, designs, or research that
have not been previously published.
A doctoral dissertation is a discussion and summary of the current scholarship on a given topic. Most U.S. universities
awarding doctorates also require their candidates to have a reading knowledge of two foreign languages, to spend a required
length of time in residence, to pass a qualifying examination that officially admits candidates to the PhD program, and to pass an
oral examination on the same topic as the dissertation.
Characteristics of the U.S. Higher Education System
Classroom Environment
Classes range from large lectures with several hundred students to smaller classes and seminars (discussion classes) with
only a few students. The American university classroom atmosphere is very dynamic. You will be expected to share your opinion,
argue your point, participate in class discussions and give presentations. International students find this one of the most surprising
aspects of the American education system.
Each week professors usually assign textbook and other readings. You will be expected to keep up-to-date with the
required readings and homework so you can participate in class discussions and understand the lectures. Certain degree programs
also require students to spend time in the laboratory.
Professors issue grades for each student enrolled in the course. Grades are usually based upon:

Each professor will have a unique set of class participation requirements, but students are expected to
participate in class discussions, especially in seminar classes. This is often a very important factor in determining a students
grade.

A midterm examination is usually given during class time.

One or more research or term papers, or laboratory reports must be submitted for evaluation.

Possible short exams or quizzes are given. Sometimes professors will give an unannounced pop quiz. This
doesnt count heavily toward the grade, but is intended to inspire students to keep up with their assignments and attendance.

A final examination will be held after the final class meeting.

Credits

Each course is worth a certain number of credits or credit hours. This number is roughly the same as the number of hours
a student spends in class for that course each week. A course is typically worth three to five credits.
A full-time program at most schools is 12 or 15 credit hours (four or five courses per term) and a certain number of
credits must be fulfilled in order to graduate. International students are expected to enroll in a full-time program during each term.
Transfers

If a student enrolls at a new university before finishing a degree, generally most credits earned at the first school can be
used to complete a degree at the new university. This means a student can transfer to another university and still graduate within
a reasonable time.
Types of U.S. higher education
"I like that schedules are flexible, classes are fun, and the variety of activities I can participate in."
1. State College or University
A state school is supported and run by a state or local government. Each of the 50 U.S. states operates at least one state
university and possibly several state colleges. Many of these public universities schools have the name of the state, or the actual
word State in their names: for example, Washington State University and the University of Michigan.
2. Private College or University
These schools are privately run as opposed to being run by a branch of the government. Tuition will usually be higher than
state schools. Often, private U.S. universities and colleges are smaller in size than state schools.
Religiously affiliated universities and colleges are private schools. Nearly all these schools welcome students of all
religions and beliefs. Yet, there are a percentage of schools that prefer to admit students who hold similar religious beliefs as those
in which the school was founded.
3. Community College
Community colleges are two-year colleges that award an associates degrees (transferable), as well as certifications.
There are many types of associate degrees, but the most important distinguishing factor is whether or not the degree is
transferable. Usually, there will be two primary degree tracks: one for academic transfer and the other prepares students to enter
the workforce straightaway. University transfer degrees are generally associate of arts or associate of science. Not likely to be
transferrable are the associate of applied science degrees and certificates of completion.
Community college graduates most commonly transfer to four-year colleges or universities to complete their degree.
Because they can transfer the credits they earned while attending community college, they can complete their bachelors degree
program in two or more additional years. Many also offer ESL or intensive English language programs, which will prepare students
for university-level courses.
If you do not plan to earn a higher degree than the associates, you should find out if an associates degree will qualify
you for a job in your home country.
4. Institute of Technology
An institute of technology is a school that provides at least four years of study in science and technology. Some have
graduate programs, while others offer short-term courses.
"One challenge was the way you register for classes and developing an academic plan. I really didnt know what to
study because I could choose many programs. I met with Angela Khoo [Academic Adviser] about the classes that I
could take, and then it became a lot easier for me."