Secondary School

The UK's* secondary education system provides for children from 11-17 years old. Education is only compulsory up to 16 years old in the UK, when students take the GCSE (or equivalent) examinations. 16 & 17 year olds wishing to continue with further education will take A-Level (or equivalent) examinations, before potentially going to university for their tertiary education. 

In the UK, traditionally there are two types of secondary school; state (free) and private (fee paying). However, there is significantly more complexity to the system than this, particularly with recent changes to the state school sector.  

State schools are generally free for UK residents and can follow a number of different models, namely:

• Faith Schools - normally have a specific religious affiliation (e.g. Catholicism, Islam, etc.). They have to follow the UK national curriculum but can choose what they teach in religious studies.

• Free Schools - funded by the government but not run by the local authority, giving them more flexibility over how they operate. 

• Academies - receive funding directly by the government and are run by an academy trust. Have more control over how they operate than local community schools.

• City Technology Colleges - independent schools in urban areas that emphasize teaching in science and technology. Free to attend, they are funded by central government and company sponsorship.

• State Boarding Schools - free to attend but charge fees for boarding. Have a variety of operating models, including academy and free school. 

Private (or independent) schools are fee paying schools that do not have to follow the UK national curriculum. Though some independent schools are inspected by Ofsted, those that are part of the Independent Schools Council will be inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. 

Independent schools generally fall into one of four categories:

• Day School or Boarding

• Single Sex (boys or girls) or Co-Educational (mixed)

Entry to secondary schools in the UK is generally at one of two points:

• Year 7 (11yrs old)

• Year 9 (13yrs old)

It is important to note that whilst some schools allow for entrance in both Years 7 & 9, others only allow for entrance in Year 9. Equally, whilst some schools will process applications in the 6-12 months preceding entrance, others may require applications are submitted up to 36 months prior to entrance. 

Furthermore, independent schools can vary significantly in their focus, fees, culture and academic performance. As such, if you are looking to send your child to an independent school, speak to a specialist who can help you based on your individual circumstance and expectations.

*The school system in Scotland can work slightly differently.

If you are looking to send your child to a secondary school in the UK, whether a day school as part of your family's relocation or as a full-time boarder, please contact our School Advisory Team at schools@feifaninternational.com.