Find out more information about the UK Education System and learn about the UK's K-12 schools, higher education in the UK, and distance learning opportunities through UK institutions.
UK Education Press About the UK Education System K-12 and Primary Education in the UK Further and Higher Education in the UK UK Distance Learning Opportunities UK Education Departments UK Education Policy
An Overview of Current Issues
Education policies are broadly similar throughout the UK. However, it's important to note that examples given below are primarily for England. Each devolved authority (Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales) has unique policy issues which we highlight in our UK Education Updates.
- Standards and accountability
Every student follows the National Curriculum with tests taken at ages seven, 11, and 14. The Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills, Ofsted, inspects schools regularly and publishes reports and performance data.
The Primary National Strategy supports teachers and schools to raise standards across the whole curriculum.
- Literacy/Numeracy
Literacy and numeracy are taught daily for one hour in schools. The government is now focusing on the numeracy skills of primary age children and has introduced Every Child Counts based on the existing Every Child a Reader which has helped raise literacy skills.
- Secondary/high school education reform
Building on recent reforms in primary schools, proposals for reforms at the secondary level include diversifying types of schools (such as academies), new measures to improve "failing schools,” increased testing, and more choice and flexibility for 14-19 year olds.
A more flexible curriculum with both academic and vocational subjects, new diploma qualifications, and extended work-based learning and mentoring seek to encourage more students to continue their education beyond age 16. There is a particular focus on addressing the underachievement of economically disadvantaged boys.
The Education and Inspections Act contains key reforms to raise standards, give parents more choice and schools more freedom to innovate
- delivering reforms needed to further raise standards in schools, particularly in deprived areas , including measures to support stronger partnerships, and new curriculum entitlements;
- allowing for the creation of trust schools.which can work with external partners.
- Higher education and skills
Recent radical reforms are the introduction of tuition fees, and measures to widen access to groups who have not traditionally gone on to university.
The government is committed to a long-term vision of making the UK one of the best places in the world for science, research and innovation.
Find out more information about the UK education system and learn about the UK's K-12 schools, higher education in the UK and distance learning opportunities offered through UK institutions.
Must-Know UK Education Policy Sites
Find our quick links to the education departments in the UK. We’ve selected important links on K-12 schools including information on the curriculum for schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland as well as the Scottish Curriculum. We also offer resources on assessment, the inspection of schools as well as information on teaching, training and recruitment. Find links to higher education and lifelong learning, information on distance learning and the our links to the UK's education press.
