Children start secondary school at 11 years old (in Year 7) and will leave at 16 years old (after Year 11) or at 18 years old (after Year 13). This covers KS3, 4 and 5. Secondary schools teach children the full spectrum of subjects; to include English, Maths, Science, Religious Education, PSHEE, History, Geography, Foreign Languages, Design Technology, Music, Business and Physical Education. Secondary education culminates in sitting the GCSE exams at the end of KS4, which children start studying for in Year 9/10. Children are often required to hold at least 5 GCSE pass grades to progress onto the next level of education (KS5 – post 16 education to include A-Levels or BTECs).

Adapted from:

United Kingdom Guide: Secondary education in the United Kingdom, Secondary school and post-16 options: (justlanded.com)