Secondary education in England
Following central government reorganisation in June 2007, the Department
for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) became the body
responsible for the general welfare of children and young people in
England, including education. The body which
regulates the external qualifications used in schools and colleges
in England is the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA).
Ofsted is the inspectorate body found in England.
Phases of secondary education in England
| Phase of education |
Type of
institution |
Key stages |
Year/grade key |
Typical age |
| Upper secondary education |
GCE ''A" Levels, GCE
''AS'' Level examinations, Advanced Diplomas (taken at age 17/18)
provide access to further and higher education and the world of
work |
| Further education
institutions |
School sixth
forms or sixth form colleges |
17 - 18 |
. |
| 16 - 17 |
. |
| General Certificates of
Secondary Education (GCSEs), General National Vocational
Qualifications (GNVQs), GCSEs in vocational subjects (Vocational
GCSEs) and Foundation and Higher Diplomas (usually taken at age 16)
provide access to post-compulsory general/academic and vocational
studies and the world of work |
| Secondary schools |
Key stage 4 |
Year 11 (Y11) |
15 - 16 |
| Y10 |
14 - 15 |
| Lower secondary education |
Key stage 3 |
Y9 |
13 - 14 |
| Y8 |
12 - 13 |
| Y7 |
11 - 12 |
|
Learn more about the following curriculum areas in
England:
Secondary maths
Secondary personal finance
education