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Education in state schools is compulsory and free for all children aged 5 – 16. It is the responsibility of parents or guardians to ensure their child goes to school, arrives on time and attends school full-time. If a child does not attend school the head teacher will invite its parents in to discuss the problem and prepare an action plan to improve attendance. If the attendance does not improve penalty notices can be enforced of £50- £100 per child with additional fines of up to £2,500. In the UK most children go to Primary School from 5 – 10 and to Secondary or High School from 11 – 16. In some parts of the country there is a three stage system where children go to Primary School from 5 - 9, Middle School from 9 - 13 and Upper School from 13 - 16. High and Upper Schools often have a Sixth Form where young people can study for 'A' Levels from 16 - 19. Education past the age of 16 is not compulsory in the UK. |
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It's important to start educating your child from a very young age. An organisation called Sure Start can help you with childcare advice and a range of health, parent and family services. Surestart and your local Library have a list of 'Parent and Toddler' groups in your area. It's really helpful for your child to mix and play with other children to develop their social and language skills. Some places allow you to leave your child for a full or part day in a crèche while you are at work. You can get support from the Government with Child Tax Credits or Working Tax Credits. You can also receive Child Benefit to help you with the costs of bringing up a child in the UK. Please ask your local council office for more information. Suffolk County Council offer information, advice, guidance and help to parents and carers looking for childcare and early education for their children. They also help find childcare and free early education places for 3-4 year olds. |
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Children must start their formal education when they are 5 years old. State schools teach boys and girls together. Children will have tests at age 7 and 11 to monitor their progress. Children move up to the next class each September. It is expected that you will bring your children safely to school and often gates are locked for the safety of children and staff during the day. |
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Children then go to Secondary or High School from the age of 11, 12 or 13. Classroom assessments by teachers are made for pupils aged 14 and reported to parents, children can then choose which subjects they would like to study. English, Maths, Science, Physical Education, Religious Studies, Citizenship and Careers are compulsory.
National examinations called General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE’s) are taken before leaving school at 16. All the work children do from the age of 14 to 16 is part of these exams, with coursework grades added to the final exam marks.
While at Secondary School you will meet a Personal Advisor from you local Connexions service who can help you plan your future and give you help, advice and support on your next steps. They will continue to help you until the age of 19.
From the age of 14 you can visit the www.future4me.org.uk website which gives information about training and courses available in Suffolk. For further information about secondary education visit your local County Council offices. |
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In the UK children can leave school at 16, but they can continue free education at their school or at a Sixth Form College. Further Education Colleges may charge a fee. For more details contact your local Connexions Service for young people, ask for information from your library or contact the Education Department in your local County Council. The exams taken are called Advanced (A) Level’s and are needed for entry to university. Young people can also chose vocational courses such as B TEC or National Vocational Qualifications ( NVQ ). These can either be full-time or as part of a work based apprenticeship. You can find further information by asking your school or sixth form college, visiting your local further education college, or by picking up a prospectus from your local library or Connexions office. |
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In the UK there are many opportunities for young people to access useful services, giving advice, guidance and support. Such organisations include Connexions, local libraries and local Council projects. To find out what's happening in your area pop into your local Connexions office or library. |
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Education 
