Education System in London
England's modern education system is built on its centuries-old tradition of educating the younger generation. Not only because she deserves the status of reference.
As it has been said more than once, many educational institutions in England are known for their centuries-old history and for the amazing quality of their education. The distinguishing features of British educational institutions are classical teaching methods, established educational processes and various student educational programs.
Currently, the English education system consists of four main stages.
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Primary Education - from 5 to 11 years of age
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Secondary GCSE - from 11 to 16.
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Upper Intermediate A Level or IB - from 16 to 18.
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Higher - usually starting at age 18.
Main stages of education in England.
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Elementary school attendance for children aged 5-11.
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11-16 years of age attending secondary school.
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16 - 18 years old - attending full secondary education.
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18 - 22 students receive a bachelor's degree.
Before going to school, children attend pre-school courses (from the age of 3), during which the focus is on educational issues and developmental activities, and the material is presented in an interesting way. There is no overload of knowledge at this stage. The basic principle is that there is a time for everything.
All children without exception begin compulsory primary education at the age of 5 and continue to study until the age of 11.
When entering secondary school, exact sciences and additional courses are added to the list of basic subjects: geography, history, foundations of religion, art, music, foreign languages.
At the age of 16, the child graduates from high school. In order to obtain the secondary education diploma, it is necessary to pass the GCSE final exams. However, the diploma does not grant the right to enter a higher education institution.
To try to enter a British university, you need to be a holder of an A-Level certificate (with a fairly high grade point average), which is awarded after completing a course at a university preparatory school - the so-called sixth form. Education here lasts two years, during which time you study 3-4 selected subjects in depth. Finally, examinations are taken and the A-Level certificate is awarded according to the results.
The academic year of the English school is divided into three semesters. The school year has two holidays, lasting two weeks, timed to coincide with Catholic holidays - Easter and Christmas, and summer vacation - six weeks. Each semester has a short break of 7 days.
Secondary (school) education in England is expected to.
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Transfer of cultural experiences. Schools and other educational institutions must pass on to new generations the cultural heritage and wisdom of previous generations, which are recognized as valuable national assets and are zealously protected by the British people.
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Socialization of the younger generation. Schools are the conduit for accepted patterns of behavior and the values behind them. Children become aware of the social roles they must play in society, in their activities, in their personal and family professional spheres.
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Preparation for the profession. This refers to the knowledge and skills necessary for subsequent professional activities. This includes the acquisition of the academic knowledge and practical skills needed for a particular profession.
In England, there are many schools for children who need a special approach. Children with mental or physical disabilities attend. The program among them is simpler and focuses on the characteristics of the student. Here, in the process, psychologists and physiotherapists are necessarily linked together.
Many parents have a dream - to send their children to a private boarding school. Students here, in addition to the prestige and high level of education, are fully maintained. The range of subjects studied in private schools is much broader than in public schools, the teaching staff is highly qualified and the material base is strong.
Don't forget that the British school system is known for the strictest discipline, so don't expect concessions even in private schools where education is expensive. Students may be expelled for poor academic performance and misbehavior.
The modern higher education system in the UK is known for its democratic character. The University has a wealth of different courses to choose from, from which you can select the one that suits you and, if necessary, change the list of subjects chosen for study.
School Features in London
British schools have many inherent features, but have now adopted the best schools in the world. Let us list these features.
The child is treated as an adult. There is no humiliation of personality, no familiarity. The child is an independent and complete human being.
Comprehensive education of a person without distortions. The opportunity to study science, art and sports in the "same field" - the school is like a small universe of healthy growth.
Some schools are selective. The term "selective" is used to refer to the universally accepted practice of choosing the "best" child for oneself in terms of academics. If the school is "selective" and one of the students does not have time, then the teacher will provide him with full assistance. If the student does not ask for help, then the parents will be offered to find another place for their child to learn where he will keep up with the program and not feel like an outsider.
The development of critical thinking is coupled with the development of leadership qualities. They don't teach "truth" here, they teach everyone to question everything and be able to prove their point of view. Here, personal qualities are valued and make a person responsible in making decisions.
Formally, the academic year is also different from the academic degrees of many countries. The academic year is divided into three semesters (with holidays in between), but within the semesters there are additional "mini-vacations" to take a break from intensive study.
Pros and cons of education in London
Higher education in London is not without reason to be considered elite, as the education system here is designed with the smallest details in mind. There are many advantages of studying in the UK. Let's consider them in more detail.
A perfect combination of classical and innovative technologies. By enrolling in an English university, you will experience all the historical values of local education, combined with the latest material and technological base, which is not available in our country.
The intensity of the educational program. Studying in the UK, you can get a diploma faster than in many other countries.
Prestige. Whether you complete your pre-school, school or higher education in the UK, you will be evaluated differently at the next stage of your education or work.
Language practice. Education is conducted in the local language, so by completing your studies you will not only gain expertise, but also learn English well.
However, one should not forget certain difficulties that students in the UK will have to face. The first problem is the price. Primary, secondary and higher education is more expensive here than in many other European countries. Not every family can afford such costs. However, while the quality of educational services in England is as high as in the United States, the cost of studying at an English university is much lower.
Students must also get used to the fact that England is a country of strict discipline. Whether a child is sent to a boarding school or a student is sent to a university campus, the needs of each individual are the same. Therefore, studying in England can seem quite difficult for foreign children who are not used to such conditions. However, this is a good thing for parents. They can make sure that their children are not left unsupervised, which is especially important for primary and secondary education.
The cost of teaching children in London
Education in the UK is not cheap. When a study visa is issued, not only do you have to pay for the course, but you also have to show the status of your accounts to demonstrate a stable financial position. This requires a 6 month bank statement where the flow of funds, fees and regular receipts into the account will be evident, showing that the account holder has a steady source of funds. Opening an account and putting in a large amount of money two weeks before applying for a visa is the worst thing you can do when applying for a visa.
The cost of educating a child should also include secondary costs.
Medical insurance - for short educational courses (issuance of a study visa for more than 6 months entitles you to free medical treatment in the UK) for 1-2 Euros per day of the insurance period (depending on the chosen insurance plan).
Airfare - from £100 one way. If it is assumed that the child is resting in his own home during the Christmas holidays, the cost of the air ticket will increase accordingly (the cost of the air ticket will also increase during the holidays).
Homestay - from £500 per month. Students have a separate room, bathroom and toilet are shared. The basic price includes breakfast, lunch and dinner and is payable separately. Homestay is the best option for short-term stays (this option is not available for host families). This is also a way to save on tuition fees - homestays are more expensive.
The best schools in London
1. Birkbeck, University of London
Birkbeck University of London is a first-class international educational institution. Birkbeck University of London attracts foreign students with its high quality academic education, diverse study programs, and opportunities to advance in the sciences. Birkbeck is known for its state-of-the-art research and development centers.
The university is ranked in the top 25 of the best universities in the UK. The educational institution offers two forms of education: daytime and evening. The first one allows you to focus as much as possible on acquiring academic knowledge, and the second one allows you to combine study and work. Internship opportunities are offered to students of all faculties of the university. Familiarizing oneself with the practical aspects of one's profession even in the course of study allows one to gain valuable skills and achieve higher academic results.
2. Brunel University London
Brunel University was founded in 1966 and named after one of the leaders of the industrial revolution in England. Isambar K. Brunel remains a symbol of British technological, engineering and scientific innovation. It is a rare case of scientific and technological discovery accompanied by unprecedented commercial success. University graduates work for the world's leading industrial and commercial companies.
3. AA School of Architecture
The Architectural Association School of Architecture (AA) is the oldest independent school in the UK. At the same time, it is renowned for its experimental and radical direction: the AA is constantly setting key agendas and finding new ways of doing research.
Among the school's graduates are many famous (and often controversial) architects: Cedric Price, Rem Koolhaas, Zaha Hadid, William Alsop, Denise Scott-Brown, John Pawson, Stephen Hall.
4. City University of London
City University London is a British public institution with over 20,000 students. Half of them are foreigners. The university has a strong reputation in the academic community due to its extensive research program. It is also ranked in the top 10 higher education institutions in the country for graduate employment (according to the Times Good University Guide).
Applicants choose to belong to one of the University's 5 schools. The City of London school specializes in teaching business, health, arts and humanities (the first high school for journalism opened here), as well as math and IT, and law.
5. Courtauld Institute of Art
The University of London's Courtauld Institute of Art in southeast England has been in operation since 1932. Until the late 1980s, the institute was located in London's Portman Square. Today, the Courtauld Institute of Art in London is located in the famous Somerset House.
The Institute in the heart of London is an excellent choice for creative people who want to acquire academic knowledge in the field of culture and art: it has everything needed for effective learning. The college has its own gallery and attracts foreign students from all over the world. Today, representatives of different nationalities and states study there.
6. Queen Mary University of London
Queen Mary, University of London is a prestigious university in Western Europe and the third largest educational center in the UK. Buildings, hotels, libraries, student cafes and bookstores are concentrated in the heart of the city, close to the most famous cultural districts and attractions.
Queen Mary University of London offers researchers everything they need for productive work, comfortable living and leisure activities. Queen Mary, University of London's considered location and developed infrastructure allows you to fully immerse yourself in the process of learning and creativity without being distracted by everyday nuances.
Queen Mary University of London enrolls thousands of students each year. More than 20,000 students are currently enrolled, including more than 7,500 foreigners. To this day, the University's leadership follows the centuries-old ideal of the classical English-speaking university, which is to develop basic research and expand the frontiers of knowledge, regardless of nationality or political persuasion.
7. Regent's University of London
The most valuable gift Regent's University gives its students is a positive attitude toward successful learning. After all, it is a sincere desire that perfect mastery of the chosen profession will lead to the most effective results.
With the lovely red brick buildings of London's Regent's Park, numerous galleries, museums and other entertainment venues within walking distance, the friendly and pleasant environment helps Regent's University of London students develop their abilities and foster leadership qualities. Living in a free, inspiring atmosphere doesn't discourage or encourage laziness, but teaches you to think outside the box and take global action.
The university, which opened in 1984, was founded on the site of a former artisan settlement. The university is independent and non-profit. The teaching staff includes representatives from countries around the world. Teachers actively share their experiences and strive to create a comfortable social microclimate for students, teaching them according to the best educational standards.
Students quickly integrate into Regent University and begin to see it as their second home. To make the adjustment fast and effective, the university has adopted a practice of personal counseling. For any questions, students can contact a specially created service.
8. Ravensbourne University of London
Ravensbourne University of London is a digital media and design university offering courses in fashion, television, radio, architectural and environmental design, interactive, graphics, sound design, animation, film, media music production and more.
Ravensbourne was founded in 1959 as a result of the merger of Bromley College of Art and Beckenham College of Art's Furniture Design Department, originally located in Bromley Common and Chislehurst, just outside London. In September 2010, the university moved to a purpose-built campus in central London on the Greenwich Peninsula.
9. American International University of London, Richmond
The sublime atmosphere, modern curriculum and popular majors of a traditional British university. And - fun parties during the school week. The American University in Richmond seems to have absorbed every possible bonus.
At American University, the fortunes of two educational institutions are intertwined at the same time. Politician and entrepreneur Cyril Taylor founded American University in 1972 and purchased 10 acres of land in Richmond. This territory once belonged to the Richmond Theological Seminary (founded in 1843).
Beautiful lawns, old buildings, a large park. Sir Taylor managed to create an educational institution that echoed the best educational traditions of England.
But the method of organizing the educational process was innovative for the time. American universities began to develop programs for European students who wished to earn degrees from American universities.
10. Rose Bruford School of Drama and Performance
Rose Bruford School of Drama and Performance - British institution of higher education. The Rose Bruford School of Drama and Performance began its work in 1950. The educational institution is located in the small city of Sidcup, England.
11. Coventry University London Campus
The first students crossed the threshold of the current Coventry University in 1843. The educational institution then had the status of a college. It specializes in design and everything related to art. The college did not become a university until 1992.
Over the decades, Coventry has undergone several reorganizations and new colleges have emerged. The educational institution is listed in the top 20 universities in the UK. Among relatively young British universities, he is completely at the top.
Coventry University has 20,000 students. Less than a third of them are foreigners. The geography of Coventry University's students is very wide. Students from 130 countries around the world are educated at this university. The Student Centre staff help foreign students to adapt to their new country.
12. ESCP European Business School
The ability of European societies to increase their finances has always been considered a great honor. Throughout the centuries of capitalist economics, famous economists have created many ways to manage income effectively. All this valuable baggage is offered to the students of the ESCP European Business School.
This educational institution began its work in 1819. The first building of the business school was located in France (Paris), but over time similar educational institutions were opened in Germany, Spain, Italy and England. Today the school is represented in London by one of the most prestigious schools.
13. GCU London
Caledonian University was formed in 1993 by the merger of two educational institutions: the Royal College of Glasgow and the Glasgow Polytechnic. The new university absorbed the best achievements of these educational institutions in scientific development, organization of the educational process and establishment of useful contacts. The university takes its name from the rich history of Scotland. In ancient times, the Roman conquerors called the northern part of the country Caledonia.
Today, the north of Scotland is attractive to those who dream of linking their lives to medicine. The University of Caledonia offers many unique programs in the fields of medicine and biomedical sciences. During their studies, students practice in one of the largest clinics in the UK and have access to modern medical equipment.
14. Goldsmiths College, University of London
Goldsmiths, University of London is the UK's leading public research university.
It has been a part of the University of London since 1904.
Goldsmiths specializes in courses in the arts, design, business, humanities and social sciences.
Seventy percent of its university research is rated as "world-leading" or "internationally excellent. Work in media and communications shows the best results. All research in the field of music has received the highest rating (Research Excellence Framework).
15. Guildhall School of Music and Drama
The Guildhall School of Music and Drama was opened in 1880 in the British capital. The school offers music education, opera courses, drama courses and technical theatre arts. The Guildhall is a major European conservatoire offering music education as well as drama and technical theatre arts programs.
The school currently has approximately 900 students, including approximately 700 undergraduate and graduate music students and approximately 175 drama majors. Approximately 40% of the students are international, often from more than 40 countries.