British education enjoys enormous prestige all over the World owing to the high top quality of information that can be acquired in schools, colleges and universities. Majority of English youngsters go to schools financed by the state. The general structure of educational method keeps to typical standards however there may possibly be some nearby functions reflecting historical and cultural peculiarities.

Historical development of British education

Historically the colleges of Oxford and Cambridge universities appeared in the 12th and 13th centuries. The universities of Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Edinburgh are known from the 14th and 15th centuries. The system of totally free school education appeared in the 19th century and had as its goal the improvement of educational possibilities for young children from poor families. To the end of the 19th century these schools got increasing state support reflected by the Education Act that promoted the concept of obligatory elementary education for youngsters aged between 5 and 10. According to this act the country was divided into school districts. These school districts had been administered by school boards empowered to institute schools in mandated areas. In this way, totally free elementary education became universally offered. Intriguing is the fact that British educational structures became to some extent the prototype of school districts in the United States of America.

Organization of educational method in the United Kingdom

The education in England is supervised by the secretary of state, who is responsible to Parliament and the Department of Education and Science. In Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, departments of education are governed by ministers. The secretary of state institutes a national curriculum for the schools. Elementary and secondary education is financed by local school districts and this makes them comparable to the school districts in the USA. Local education authorities are the key contributors to educational procedure. The main part of monetary support for education is granted from governmental sources. Funding also comes from nearby governments and local taxes. Schools have the correct to manage their own organization and finance.

The role of primary and secondary schools in British education

Main education is obligatory and comprehensive. Children with mental or physical problems and certain educational requirements may possibly attend unique schools. The general trend, however, is to incorporate these kids into common schools. The school governing institutions consist of elected parents and representatives of teachers. These institutions are responsible for spending budget, expenses, and staff policy such as appointments and dismissals. Schools carry out open admission in their activity.

Private schools in the United Kingdom

Private schools are little in number and are attended by a rather little number of young children. The attitude to these schools among different men and women is distinct. On the one hand, private schools deflect teachers and financial resources from state schools contributing to social partition. On the other hand, private schools supply the high good quality education, favor healthy competition, and enable parents and youngsters to comprehend their freedom of selection.

Advanced levels of British education

Following the age of 16, education in Excellent Britain becomes voluntary. Students take the examinations for the General Certificate of Secondary Education and can continue their education in school or college. Learners may possibly study for vocational training. The General Certificate of Education is needed for continuing the study in teacher-training college or university.

British universities

British universities are entirely autonomous and independent. Nevertheless, a considerable amount of their funding comes from governmental sources. The financing of education and investigation passes via unique councils appointed by Parliament. Quite a few universities also appreciate considerable endowments. Numerous decades ago Great Britain knew important growth of the number of newly created universities. To the end of the last century polytechnics and some other educational institutions were transformed into universities. An unusual event in higher education activity was the creation of the Open University offering education for adults by means of radio, tv, and study programs.

Students’ life in British universities and colleges

Higher education also may be acquired in colleges. The selection of students for further studying is very careful and is carried out by means of examinations. Several students appreciate grants funded by the state to aid them to pay the tuition. Numerous students could use loans to cover their expenses. Universities are funded by means of grants, tuition fees, and diverse private resources.

Oxford College