The Education System in United Kingdom

Education matters in the country are delegated separately to Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England. Education in Wales is the accountability of the Welsh Assembly Government. Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning is in-charge in education in Scotland and controlled by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education. Presently Caitríona Ruane is responsible in education in Northern Ireland, though liability in local level is controlled by 5 Education and Library Boards. The Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills and the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families are responsible for the education in England, although the Local Education Authorities is responsible in daily administration and financial support of state schools. State schools in England, Northern Ireland and Wales pursue the National Curriculum under the Education Reform Act 1988. Independent schools are not required to follow any prospectus, provided they have a satisfactory standard of education.

Primary education may obtain the form of combined infant (2 years) and junior schools (4 years) which lasts for 6 years (from age 5 to 11). Secondary education is from age of 11 to 16 years. Primary school education is mandatory from age 5. Students follow a common prospectus leading to the General Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary examinations and Vocational Certificate of Education Advanced Subsidiary Level. Higher education is consists of universities, colleges and institutions of higher education and art and music colleges. Oxford University and Cambridge University are the some world's oldest universities and ranked at or close to the uppermost of all top universities in the world.