If you are French, it’s much easier as French schools
are numerous in London. This section will give often
references to the French teaching, but these schools
welcome also other foreign children. Days include English
teaching (3hours/week at 6 years old, then 4) and different
levels (beginner or not). They are often connected with
door to door picking up but you are strongly advised
not to live too far away.
How to Register
The sooner the better, obviously if you want to enter
during a session (children start usually at 5 years
old and follow until the end at primary school).
For the French school, the Lycee Charles de Gaulle
is the favourite. You will need a civil state form,
vaccination, previous notation and a work contract for
the parents.
Subscription fees are £50 and the
cost for the primary school is £2000/year + £350/quarter
of transport fees.
You will get a leaflet of schools in the borough by
going to the Council Hall.
For the list of Universities and colleges in the UK visit UCAS (http://www.ucas.com). This website is designed to help, advise and inform all those who are involved in or use the admission service process.
The British school system
School is compulsory from 5 to 16. The school system is made by different sections: Nursery, Primary school, Secondary school (and Sixth Form Centre) and College or University.
The 2 systems are the States schools and the independant schools (or Public schools). The State schools get State funds and are regulated by a Local Education Authority. Most of the State schools are either Comprehensive, Foundation or Grammar schools.
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A Comprehensive school is a secondary school that does not select children on the basis of academic attainment or aptitude.
Grammar schools : selective school through the 11 plus exam (about 10% of "gifted" children pass the exam). The system is often blamed for elitism.
Independent schools or Public schools : private schools, charge fees.
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A the end of the compulsory period at 16, all students pass the GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exam. If it's successful it's then possible to attend a 2 year preparation in a College or a Sixth Form Centre (in State schools or Public schools) to pass the A-Levels. Pupils choose usually 3 subjects to pass for their exam and get a notation with the highest grade being A.
About 90% of the English pupils are in State schools. But be careful: they can be very good or a disaster! You better double check the quality of the schools you are about to choose. Performance of the school to the GCSE and A-levels exams for example may be helpful (http://www.schoolsnet.com).
University Studies in the United Kingdom
| "A" Level : it is a group of certificates according to
the choice of the student. Getting 3 certificates allows
to continue at University level. |
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Short Cycle
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Long Cycle
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| Higher National Diploma: 2 years |
First degree: only honours will allow
the student to go to Higher Degrees.
Ordinary Degree :
B.Eng (Bachelor of Engineering): 1 additional
year in Scotland and called Ordinary Degree with honours)
B.Art (Bachelor of Art)
B.Sc (Bachelor of Science)
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| Diploma or Certificate: 1 year |
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Post Graduate:
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Master's Degree by research: 1 to 2 years with dossier
presentation
Master Degree
M.Eng (Master of Engineering)
M.Art (Master of Art)
M.Sc (Master of Science)
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Master's Degree by instruction: 1 year with an exam at the
end |
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Doctor's Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): 3 years of research
Doctor of Letters and Doctor
of Science: grant a group of works and articles published
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