UK Education System
Students who wish to enter the top UK universities normally follow a 2-year A level programme. The first year is known as “Year 12” or “Lower Sixth” and students normally study 4 subjects. The second year of the programme is called “Year 13” or “Upper Sixth”. Students in this year generally continue with 3 of the 4 subjects that they took in Year 12. This programme starts in September and ends in June.
Under some circumstances, it is possible for students to do an intensive 1-year A level programme; or to follow an 18-month course which starts in January and ends in June.
Before A levels, UK students follow a 2-year programme called GCSE, in which they study between 7 and 10 subjects. GCSE is not always suitable for international students, and so for international students who are either too young to start the A level programme, or whose English level is not yet high enough, we recommend a 3-year programme incorporating a “Pre-A level year”.
“Getting into…’ University Guides
Getting into higher education may be the toughest challenge you’ve faced yet. MPW’s careers guidance and university entrance guides can help you pick the right course and the right university, and give you valuable UCAS form help. Written by experts with a wealth of knowledge, MPW Guides are set out in straightforward language. They give clear, practical advice to help you win a place on the course of your choice.