School system

The UK has state schools which are all funded by the government and independent schools paid for by the parents.

The state primary schools take children aged 5-11 and state secondary schools take children from 11-16. There are 6th form centres for older children. Independent preparatory schools teach 5-13 year olds and independent secondary schools sometimes cater to children up to 18. This can be at times a little confusing as independent secondary schools are often called public schools.

Children sit for their GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at the age of 16. If successful, children can then take 2 yr A level courses at either a college or sixth form centre. Independent school children mostly stay at their own school 6th form. You need to have Three A levels to gain entry into a university.

If you intend to move back to your own country, an international school may appeal to you as they are specially equipped for children of expatriates and offer a variety of qualifications, including the American SATS.

It is always best to check whatever school you select, its current performance, so as you can find out how children are performing in standardised tests and the ratio of children reaching the government’s literacy rate - and more.

Colleges and universities

International students will be able to choose from over 3000 places of learning in the UK and there are various routes through the education and training system mixing and matching different types of courses according to your personal necessities. And of course UK qualifications are recognised and respected throughout the world, and will find this to be a solid foundation on which to build your future and hopefully increase your salary potential. You will find that Colleges, schools and universities provide students with a stimulating, creative and positive environment in which to develop their potential.

The UK institutions' are second to none when it comes to providing quality education and schools and colleges continually have to prove that their courses meet the criteria set out by the government. This is because many other countries are now trying to follow the UK's example.

The international alumni from UK institutions over the years has included many leading politicians, thinkers and business people who have had an important influence on the world such as Bill Clinton (former President of the USA), Thabo Mbeki (President of South Africa), Desmund Tutu (Archbishop and human rights campaigner), Rifat Ozbek (fashion designer), Wole Soyinka (Nobel prize-winning author), Stelios Haji-Iaonnu (founder of the easyGroup of businesses) and Imran Khan (cricket legend and policitican).

Coddan-visas-work-permits.co.uk also has information about UK study visas. Contact us! We'll be happy to help you if you are interested in this opportunity.