In the UK, the first level of education is known as primary education.

Secondary schools provide compulsory education for children between the ages of eleven and sixteen. Children may stay on at school until the age of eighteen in order to pursue further studies, however this is not compulsory.From the ages of fourteen to sixteen, pupils study for the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).Pupils who stay on at school (16-18), may take the Advanced (A) level examination, which traditionally is required for entry into higher education.