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Structure of the Scottish education system
In Scotland, pupils between the ages of 5 and 16 years receive full-time education suitable to their age, ability and aptitude. After 7 years of primary education pupils are transferred to secondary education, usually around the age of 12 years. Many pupils continue their education past compulsory schooling to further and higher education levels, however some pupils leave school at 16 years and undertake employment.
The 5 to 14 curriculum takes pupils through primary education and two years of secondary. As there is no statutory curriculum in Scotland, local authorities and headteachers have responsibility for the delivery and management of the curriculum, however guidelines are provided.
SEED regulate the curriculum in primary schools under the 5 to 14 curriculum. There are no entry restrictions to secondary education in Scotland. Lower secondary education is divided into three stages. The first two years (S1 and S2) provide general education; third and fourth years (S3 and S4) are based on specialist and vocational education for all.
Pupils aged 14 to 16 years take Standard Grade courses. Standard Grade courses are part of a national program where assessments are regulated and marked by the SQA. These courses are offered at three levels and take two years to complete. The levels offered are credit; general and foundation, different levels are taken according to pupil ability. Options for Standard Grade courses are chosen at the end of the second year of secondary education. Standard grades are attained from continuous assessment within the school and by external examination.
Further education in Scotland is available through Higher and Advanced Higher education courses taken in fifth (S5) and sixth (S6) years. This is not compulsory. There are five levels to Higher and Advanced Higher education; these are access, intermediate 1, intermediate 2, higher and advanced higher. These are assessed internally and by external assessment from the SQA.
Further information is available in the following A to Z topics: National Curriculum, Governing body and Local Education Authorities.
Published: 31 July 2005
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