all children go to SECONDARY SCHOOL. There are four types of secondary school
Public school (a private school where parents pay).
Grammar school.
Secondary modern school.
Comprehensive school (gradually replacing 2 and 3).
Here many children will try to pass some exams — they usually take them in the 5th form, when they’re 15 or 16. There are two kinds of exam:
1. General Certificate of Education, Ordinary Level (G.C.E. “0” level). 2.Certificate of Secondary Education (C.S.E.), which is easier than G.C.E. With the help of their teachers, pupils choose the kind of exam they’ll take, and the number of subjects (Maths, French, Biology, etc.). The most ambitious pupils may take 9 or 10 “0” levels.
All children have to stay at school until they’re 16.
At the age of sixteen (or later) many people who have left school decide to study for more exams; or they may wish to learn a trade, like typing, building or hairdressing. They go to a COLLEGE OF FURTHER EDUCATION, either as full-time or part-time students. Many adults study here as well.
Some pupils decide to stay at school and study for more exams. They go into the Sixth Form - the senior part of the secondary school. After two years they take G.C.E. Advanced Level (“A” level). They usually take “A” level in 2 or 3 subjects (Physics, Chemistry and Maths; or French, English and German, etc.). All pupils now leave school, and many go out to find a job.