In the UK, education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 (4 to 16 in Northern Ireland). State schools are free to attend and are funded by the government. Children typically attend primary school from 5 to 11 and secondary school from 11 to 16. In England, after secondary school, most young people stay in education or training until 18.
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In England, Wales and Northern Ireland the main qualifications taken at 16 are GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education); A-levels are taken at 18. In Scotland the equivalent qualifications are National 5s and Highers, taken at 16 and 17–18. Universities select students mainly on these results.
You may be asked the school-starting age (5 in England), or which qualification is taken at 16 in England (GCSEs).
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