State education

State educational system is said to offer free education. The less part of state schools receive money from a Local Education Authority. Most state schools are given money by the government. Some state schools are grant-maintained. These schools are supported by the central government and are considered by some people to provide a better education. As a rule grant-maintained schools are controlled by a group of their governors, parents of pupils and members of the local community. There are some church schools that also receive money from the government and offer free Education. In Scotland and Ireland most schools are still managed by local authorities.

There are three stages in the state educational system in England and Wales: primary education, secondary education and further education. University-level education stands apart being almost independent of state control.

British children legally have to start school at the age of five. All children between the ages of 5 and 16 must, by law, receive secondary school education. This education is compulsory. Some children, who need to pass "A"(Advanced) level examination (exam) to enter a University or a College of Further education, continue their studies at the sixth-form class or college up to the age of 18.

According to the National Curriculum, introduced in all state schools in England and Wales in 1988, children's education from 5 to 16 is divided into four key stages covering the following age groups: ages 5-7 (key stage 1), ages 7-11 (key stage 2), ages 11-14 (key stage 3), ages 14-16 (key stage 4).

At the end of each stage children are tested or they take exams. At the age of 14 children complete their Standard assessment tasks (SATs) as part of the National Curriculum. At the end of their fifth year of secondary education most children of all abilities aged 16 take General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams in a particular level. In 1988 GCSE replaced the former "O" (Ordinary) level and CSE (Certificate of Secondary Education) exams.

Some secondary schools offer introduction courses to vocational training. At the age of 16 students of those schools take General National Vocational Qualification exams (GNVQs) as an alternative to CSE and "A" levels.

Alongside with state secondary schools there are now 15 City Technology Colleges that put special emphasis on teaching such subjects as mathematics, technology and science. They have no connections with Local Education Authorities and get money from business companies or from the government.

Most people in Britain are concerned about education. They think that education should be free of charge in all stages and levels. It is also thought to be of higher standard. The state is expected to pay much more attention to students who now pay their own fees at university as well as their living expenses. Poorer students should receive enough financial help from the state to be able to acquire better education.

Exercise 2. Answer the following questions.

1. What is the main division in the British educational system?

2. Why can some state schools give students free education?

3. What schools are grant-maintained?

4. What three stages are there in the state educational system in England and Wales?

5. At what age do British pupils start schooling?

6. What key stages is education in Britain divided into?

7. What tasks do British children complete at the age of 14?

8. What exams do children take at the age of 16?

9. What is GNVQs?

10. What do City Technology Colleges put special emphasis on?

11. What kind of education do British people think of?

Text 2

Exercise 1. Read and translate the text.