Education System in the UK

The United Kingdom (UK) is noted for its high standards for education, interesting teaching styles, illustrious universities, and high levels of student happiness.

In worldwide university league tables, including the Academic Ranking of World Universities, Times Higher Education Ranking, and QS World Rankings, UK universities routinely place highly. Furthermore, degrees obtained in the country are respected throughout the world and are in high demand by businesses.

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How is the UK educational system organised?

England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland are the four countries with jurisdiction over the education system in the UK. There are various educational systems in the UK, educational requirements, and regional rules and regulations in each of these areas. The primary distinctions between general and secondary education in the UK are what lead to each region’s unique credit structures and certificates.

Key Stages

There are five levels of education available in the UK: primary, secondary, further education (FE), and higher education (HE). All kids between the ages of 5 (or 4 in Northern Ireland) and 16 must attend school. 

FE is not required and includes non-advanced courses that can be studied in HE institutions and colleges for further (including higher) education (HEIs). The fifth stage, known as the higher education (HE) system in the UK, is study above the GCE A levels and their equivalents, which is often completed by full-time students in universities, other HEIs, and colleges.

Since September 2010, all three- and four-year-olds in England have been eligible for 38 weeks of free nursery education. Early childhood education in the UK is provided in a range of settings, such as state-run nurseries, nursery classes, and reception classes in primary schools, as well as places outside the state sector, such as nonprofit pre-schools, for-profit nurseries, or childminders.

Early childhood education in the UK and childcare have significantly increased in recent years. The Foundation Stage, which was initially implemented in September 2000 and covered children’s education from the age of three through the conclusion of the reception year, when children are aged five, was added to the National Curriculum for England by the Education Act of 2002.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a single regulatory and quality framework for the provision of learning, development, and care for children in all registered early years settings between birth and the academic year in which they turn five. The EYFS went into effect in September 2008 and is made up of three phases. At the conclusion of the academic year in the UK in which they turn five, each child’s growth and learning accomplishments are evaluated formally through the EYFS Profile (EYFSP).

Key stages of the UK education system are:

• UK primary education
• Secondary school, years 7 and 8
• Secondary education, preparation: years 10 and 11
• University preparation – years 12 and 13
• Further education: vocational courses
• University: foundation courses
• University: undergraduate study
• University: postgraduate study

UK Primary Education

The primary stage has three age groups: nursery (for children under 5), infant (5 to 7 or 8), and junior (for children up to 11 or 12) (Key Stage 2). However, in Scotland and Northern Ireland, there is typically no distinction made between infant and junior schools. 

Although the types of schools are the same in Wales, the Foundation Phase has combined the Early Years (from 3 to 5 years old) and Key Stage 1 (from 5 to 7 years old) of the National Curriculum to form a single phase of education for children between the ages of three and seven. In England, primary schools typically serve children ages 4 to 11 years old. For the benefit of younger children, certain primary schools may be connected to a nursery or children’s centre. 

Boys and girls are enrolled in mixed classes in the majority of public primary schools. In Scotland and England, it is customary for students to move directly from elementary to secondary education at the age of 12 or 11, respectively. 

However, in England, some students choose to transfer through middle schools that serve students in the 8–14 age range. Middle schools fall into one of two categories: primary or secondary, depending on their student populations. The main objectives of primary education are for all students to attain fundamental literacy and numeracy skills as well as to provide the groundwork for future study in science, mathematics, and other topics.

Secondary School- Years 7 and 8

The first two years of secondary schooling in the UK are years 7 and 8. They are a part of the junior school in certain independent schools and the senior school in others. In the UK, all pupils are required to take English, Math, Science, Humanities, and a Modern Language. In addition to these, each school provides a list of elective courses that students can pick from, including art, music, drama, Latin, sports science, design technology, and computer science.

In some schools, seventh-graders take the Common Entrance Examination. Three exam dates are available: November, January, and May/June. The results of the Common Entrance Exam for those schools may affect the transition from junior to senior school (year 8 to year 9).

Secondary School – Year 9

In the British educational system, year 9 is a crucial year because it is when most pupils go from junior to senior high school. Additionally, it provides a solid basis for the GCSE programme and serves as a gateway to all institutions.

Students study English, math, science, humanities, and languages. Additionally, students select a few disciplines from the list of electives that each institution offers.

Secondary Education – Years 10 and 11

Students begin preparing for the GCSE exams in the final two years of secondary school, known as Year 10 and Year 11, at the age of 14. (General Certificate of Secondary Education)

Students in the UK educational system study between 9 and 12 courses for the GCSE programme. 

Some of them are required (such as English, math, two or more sciences, history or geography, a modern language, etc.), while others are selected by each student based on their skills and interests.

Students get their GCSE certificates at the conclusion of the two-year GCSE curriculum after completing examinations in each subject they have studied.

University Preparation – Rears 12 and 13

A Level Study-

When a student in the United Kingdom reaches the age of 16, they are eligible to enter a two-year course of study leading to A (advanced) level examinations. In college, most people choose to focus on three or four areas of study that are crucial to their future careers. 

All international institutes and universities accept A-levels as proof of readiness for higher education in the United Kingdom.

A-level certificates are awarded to pupils at the conclusion of the 13th year of school upon successful completion of all required tests.

International Baccalaureate (IB)

Students who are interested in taking classes in more than three or four areas can do so at select private schools through the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. As part of the IB programme, students take six courses, three at the more advanced higher level (HL) and three at the more basic standard level (SL).

 HL and SL courses are available in a variety of disciplines at each institution. The Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and the Creativity, Activity, and Service (CAS) courses are all required parts of the IB’s Core Curriculum (CAS). At the end of each unit, students are given a written exam covering the material covered throughout the unit.

Further education – vocational courses

As an alternative to private schools, international students have the option of attending a state-run sixth-form college or a college of higher education in the UK. Both institutions provide advanced placement (AP) and general education (GCSE) options to students aged 16 and up. Foundational and certificate programmes can also be available at colleges of further education. There is no difference between colleges in terms of their ability to prepare students for admittance into universities in the United Kingdom or elsewhere. 

A large number of state institutions in the United Kingdom provide a wide variety of academic and vocational programmes, and Bright World collaborates with many of them. Students who take advantage of these classes may be better prepared for the workforce or for admission to the colleges of their choice.

Courses in Business, Psychology, Engineering, Sport, and Art and Design (to name a few) are available through the British school system as BTEC programmes, which are tailored to students who want to learn more about the field but find standardised testing too difficult. 

BTEC students are evaluated continuously throughout the programme on their progress in developing marketable skills. Instead of having students take a final exam at the conclusion of the programme like they do in GCSEs and A-Levels, assessments occur after each unit.

University – Foundation Courses

Students from abroad who are 17 years old have the option of enrolling in a one-year foundation programme in the UK rather than an A-level or IB curriculum. These courses are designed to prepare students for private exams that can be used in place of A-levels. 

Universities that have agreements with community colleges will honour the credits from the college’s foundational courses. When you graduate from one of these schools, you’ll be prepared to enter their own degree programmes, and some even offer prerequisite courses.

Because of the many relationships Bright World has cultivated with UK institutions and pathway providers, we are able to assist students in gaining admission to foundation and diploma programmes in London and throughout the country.

University – Undergraduate Study

Courses at the undergraduate level are aimed at giving students a broad perspective on the world and a solid grounding in a particular area of study after high school. Humanities, social science, art, design, business, technology, science, and many more are all represented in the UK’s educational offerings.

Here are some undergraduate course lists which are offered in the UK-

Course Name	Course Duration
Degrees (such as BA, BSc, BEng)	● 3 years in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland ● 4 years in Scotland
Higher National Certificate (HNC) or Diploma (HND)	1 to 2 years.
Certificates or Diplomas of Higher Education (Cert HE/Dip HE)	1 to 2 years.
Foundation degrees (Fd A/Fd Sc)	6 months to 2 years
Sandwich degrees	4 years with a year in the industry
Integrated courses (where a master’s is awarded as the first degree, such as MEng)	4 years

University – Postgraduate Study

Postgraduate study in the UK typically entails intensive study in a specialised field. You can return to the workforce sooner than your peers earning master’s degrees in other countries because most master’s degrees only take a year to complete.

There is a vast selection of classes, even specialised ones, that are highly sought after by employers. Here is a rundown of the several postgraduate programmes in the United Kingdom:

Course Name	Course Duration
Postgraduate certificates and diplomas (PG Cert/PG Dip)	9 to 12 months
Taught Masters (such as MA, M.Sc., LLM, MBA, and MRes)	1 year
Research Masters (such as MPhil, PhD, DPhil)	2-3 years

Qualifications Framework

A qualification framework is the main national point of reference for keeping academic standards high in the higher education sector of any country. 

Degree-giving bodies in the UK use two different systems for their higher education qualifications:

• The Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of Degree Awarding Bodies in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ)
• The Framework for Qualifications of Higher Education Institutions in Scotland (FQHEIS)

In the United Kingdom, there are over 160 institutions approved to grant degrees.

Entry Requirements

When applying to a university in the UK, prospective students should research the specific requirements of their chosen school. Learn the prerequisites for the major you want to pursue.

But there are some standards that are universally accepted by colleges and universities:

• If you’re an A Level student, you’re expected to take at least two subjects at that level.
• Those who completed four or five AS levels in 12th grade are not significantly ahead of the competition. Since most schools and colleges no longer provide AS levels as electives, universities understand that students cannot earn them.
• Students with at least two GCSEs, often math and English, will be preferred for most courses.
• Universities may include the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) in an offer if you choose to take it. However, it is not required.

The term “matriculation,” which is used by some schools instead of “general entrance,” is used at others. This could be a collection of requirements that all students must meet, such as:

A proficiency level in English is required.

Bad reputation brought on by one’s criminal past Disclosure and Barring Service Check or Analogous

The equivalent of a driving test for professions like medicine and nursing

Although the vast majority of students will be a good fit, it is always best to double-check. Many schools offer exceptions to their general entrance requirements that allow them to accept excellent candidates who do not satisfy those standards.

Popular Programs in the UK

Here are some popular programmes in the UK for international students-

1. Physiotherapy
2. Law
3. Actuarial Science
4. Sports Management
5. Medicine and Surgery
6. Computer Science
7. Engineering
8. Business Management
9. Economics 
10. Civil Engineering

Physiotherapy

When it comes to people’s inability to move normally as a result of illness or injury, physiotherapists treat a wide variety of conditions. Physiotherapists are defined as healthcare professionals who provide these treatments. The need for their lifesaving services means that physiotherapists are in high demand across a variety of industries. 

With such a high rate of employment upon graduation, it is no wonder that physiotherapy programmes are in such high demand. Many enticing physiotherapy programmes at UK universities can be found, each one aimed at giving you a firm grounding in the fundamentals of physiotherapy and related fields of study, as well as a wide range of skills relevant to the workplace.

Law

Students graduating from law programmes in the United Kingdom acquire a deep and nuanced understanding of the fundamentals of law as well as the analytical and practical skills necessary to apply them effectively.

Students will develop skills in mooting, arguing, and negotiating while learning the content of the law and legal analysis. Participating in simulated court proceedings is a great way to improve your education and gain experience in a real-world setting.

Actuarial Science

The insurance and financial sectors can benefit greatly from the expertise of actuaries, who use their mathematical prowess to evaluate potential threats and find workable solutions. 

In terms of money, actuaries and analysts figure out how much of a hit risk and uncertainty can take. They model the world around them, assessing the likely impact of future events using their expert knowledge of finance and business.

Sports Management

Sports management experts are in high demand due to the expanding sports industry. The sports industry offers more lucrative careers and better job prospects in many countries than the education sector, the restaurant business, or any number of others.

Workers in the ever-changing field of sports management must acquire a wide variety of specialised and task-specific abilities.

Medicine & Surgery

Although medicine is notoriously difficult to get into at UK universities, every year thousands of students from other countries are accepted into medical programmes. Applying to medical school in the UK is a good idea if you have excellent grades and can demonstrate a genuine interest in pursuing a career in the medical field. A minimum score of 38 on the International Baccalaureate or a minimum score of 7.0 on the International English Language Testing System is required to enrol in a UK medical school.

Schools will look for evidence of intent, such as a year of part-time work in a hospital, care home, hospice, or other caring environment, as well as a strong undergraduate record, before admitting a student to their graduate medicine programme. It is essential for international applicants to have an understanding of the National Health Service and how it operates.

Computer Science

Earning a bachelor’s degree in computer science from a school in the United Kingdom will equip you with the fundamental knowledge and skills that will allow you to make an impact in the corporate and nonprofit worlds.

IT, game design, software engineering, and security are just some of the fields where new tools, programmes, and development kits will help you expand your knowledge and skills. 

Many computer science departments at UK universities are at the forefront of their fields, conducting cutting-edge research for Fortune 500 corporations.

Engineering

Those who choose to pursue a career in engineering may be rewarded with the satisfaction of contributing to the human race by solving some of the most pressing problems of our time. 

Thanks to our prestigious educational institutions and well-known tradition of technological innovation, engineering graduates from the United Kingdom are in greater demand than ever before. From artificial intelligence and robotics to the future of energy and transportation, the United Kingdom’s educational system. allows students to specialise as they go, allowing them to study in the very buildings where the most recent discoveries are being made, often alongside the very people who are making them.

Business Management

A business and management degree will teach you how to manage a company from the ground up. Many Business and Management courses in the UK offer placements with internationally renowned companies, allowing you to get hands-on experience in the field before committing to a degree programme.

The first year of study for most Business and Management degrees follows a standard curriculum, while the second year is typically spent focusing on the student’s area of interest. After graduating, you’ll be in a better position to advance in your career if you have acquired essential skills in areas like market analysis, financial management, people management, strategic thinking, and data analysis.

Economics 

If you’re an international student interested in studying economics, studying in London, one of the world’s leading financial centres, can be a huge benefit. The United Kingdom is home to some of the largest banking and accounting firms in the world, providing graduates with a wealth of employment opportunities in the economic sector. Students will acquire marketable skills in problem-solving, data analysis, computing, and written and oral presentations during their academic pursuits. Your future success in the world of finance will be enhanced by your ability to communicate in English.

Civil Engineering

Modern city infrastructure is the product of the scientific acumen of civil engineers. Civil engineers are involved in the design and development of large-scale infrastructure, from new community centres to national power grids.

Engineers need to be able to plan, budget, manage, and analyse projects of all sizes, bringing together their theoretical and practical knowledge.

Best Institutions

Here are some of the best UK universities for international students–

1. University of York
2. Newcastle University 
3. Lancaster University 
4. Durham University 
5. University of East Anglia 
6. University of Dundee 
7. University of Surrey 
8. University of Strathclyde 
9. University of Birmingham
10. University of Bristol
11. University of Glasgow
12. Queen Mary University of London

Scholarships 

Scholarships, bursaries, grants, fellowships, and other financial prizes are available to students who study in the United Kingdom. A variety of public and commercial entities may provide funding for such initiatives. 

A large number of students seek out these scholarships, so you’ll want to get a head start on the competition and make sure you don’t miss the deadline. Learn more about scholarship opportunities in the United Kingdom, including grants, scholarships, and bursaries.

Best Places to Study

Out of the top 100 student cities in the world, the United Kingdom has ten of them, more than any other country besides the United States.

Moreover, London, the nation’s capital, has taken the top spot on the index for the first time this year, and two new cities have joined the ranking this year (Aberdeen and Brighton). Our student survey provided the data for six of the indicators used to determine where each city ranked on our list of the best student cities. Here are some of the best places to study and live in the UK-

• London 
• Edinburgh
• Manchester
• Glasgow
• Coventry
• Aberdeen
• Newcastle
• Birmingham
• Nottingham

London 

London is not only the best student city in the United Kingdom, but it also jumped two spots to take the top spot on this year’s Best Student Cities list, moving it into first place globally for the first time. 

London dominates the rankings indicator and comes in at number two for employer activity, with no less than 17 institutions ranked in the QS World University Rankings® 2018, including two in the global top 10.

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, is home to many historical and cultural landmarks and events, such as the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which draws in nearly as many visitors as the rest of the city combined every August. In a survey of students in the United Kingdom, Edinburgh ranked higher than any of the other top 10 cities, coming in at number 12 overall and receiving some of the highest marks in the category of “student experience,” which asked students to rate the city based on factors such as cost of living, entertainment options, job prospects, cultural offerings, and more.

Manchester

Manchester received the UK’s fourth-best score for student views, placing it at number 24 on the list of the Best Student Cities in 2018. 

Manchester has one of Europe’s largest student populations, with roughly 100,000 registered students as of September 2017. (40,000 of whom are studying at its highest-ranked institution, the University of Manchester).

Many well-known bands got their start in the city, including Oasis, Joy Division, The Smiths, and The Buzzcocks, so music plays a significant role in the local culture.

Glasgow

Glasgow dropped a bit in this year’s Best Student Cities ranking, but it still made the top 50 and is at number 43. Glasgow still has a fairly large and diverse student population despite this decline, and it is in the top 50 for rankings, student view, and student mix indicators.

Both the University of Glasgow (currently ranked 65th) and the University of Strathclyde (currently ranked joint 277th) are located in the city, with the former dating back to the 15th century. 

The city of Glasgow is Scotland’s largest and is well-known for its fascinating past, vibrant present-day culture, and warm, welcoming residents.

Coventry

Coventry comes in at number 44 overall on this year’s Best Student Cities ranking, making it the fifth best city in the United Kingdom out of a total of 10. 

There are students making up 6.8% of the population, and more than 40% of those students are not from the United Kingdom.

Coventry has excellent cultural venues, such as the Warwick Art Centre at the University of Warwick, the largest arts centre in the UK after London’s Barbican, and was named UK City of Culture 2021 in December 2017.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen is the top-ranked of the eight new entries in this year’s best student cities index, coming in at number 55. With miles of nearby coastline and countryside to explore, Aberdeen is a great choice for a study destination for nature lovers.

Despite not being the most affordable study destination in the UK, Aberdeen does have lower living expenses than you’d find in bigger cities, including lower rent. Additionally, students from Scotland and the EU (aside from those from the rest of the UK) are not charged tuition.

Newcastle

As you travel further north, you will reach Tyne and Wear, where Newcastle-upon-Tyne (or just Newcastle) continues to hold the 56th spot in this year’s list of the Best Student Cities. 

One of the region’s top universities, Durham University, which is ranked joint 78th in the QS World University Rankings® 2018, is located in Newcastle, the region’s most populous city.

Birmingham

Birmingham, the second-largest city in the United Kingdom, is one of the country’s most exciting places to live due to its abundance of world-class dining establishments, museums, theatres, and galleries. 

This year, Birmingham climbed four spots to number 51 on the list of the Best Student Cities. Birmingham has more canal miles than Venice, and it is well-known for its rich industrial history. 

Birmingham also hosts over 50 festivals annually, including the Birmingham Comedy Festival and the largest Christmas market in the UK.

Nottingham

Popularly known as the “Queen of the Midlands” and boasting a proud connection to the Robin Hood legend, Nottingham is ranked 47th this year in the list of the Best Student Cities.

Not only do students here give Nottingham high marks for its nightlife, ease of getting around (Nottingham has an award-winning public transport system), friendliness, diversity, and more, but they also give it the third-highest score in the UK for student views (21st).

Academic Year in the UK

In the United Kingdom, the school year typically begins in September or October. To apply for a September start date, you need to do so by January of the year before. The January and April intakes are often much smaller than the September intake for UK programmes. 

Some potential start dates for pathway programmes are shown below. Before enrolling in a specific course, it’s important to find out if there are any openings for that particular semester. 

Intake information for the United Kingdom can be viewed here as well.

Higher Education System in the UK

In particular, the quality and standards of higher education in the United Kingdom are recognised and respected around the globe. The success of its alums in the real world is a major contributor to the prestige of its educational system. British universities have produced many world-famous scholars and artists in a wide variety of fields. Several of these colleges and institutions are among the very best in the world. 

It’s no coincidence that London, the UK capital, is also often regarded as the global centre of higher learning. London has the highest concentration of top-ranked UK universities in the world, with four institutions placed inside the top 10. The term “higher education” refers to the tier of the British educational system that comes after secondary school. 

When their secondary schooling in the United Kingdom is complete, students are required to take a standardised test to determine whether or not they will be admitted to university. In the United Kingdom’s higher education system, colleges and universities are treated differently than in the United States. 

Although most Americans simply refer to any institution of higher learning as a “college,” the situation is reversed in the United Kingdom. In this context, a university is a certified higher education institution from which students will graduate with degrees, while a college is a further education institution that merely prepares its students for higher education.

Studying as an International Student

You, as a student from outside the UK, should know that not every institution of higher learning in the UK uses the term “university.” The law governs this matter. According to the law, a school of higher learning can use the word “university” in the following situations:

• In the event that the Privy Council grants permission under the Further and Higher Education Act of 1992,
• If it receives permission under the Companies Act of 2006.

International students from countries outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland will need to get a student visa to study in the United Kingdom. 

Students from these countries can apply for the Tier 4 visa (General student) to study in the United Kingdom as soon as they turn 16. You should ensure you have sufficient funds to cover your living expenses while attending school there before proceeding. You’ll need to submit proof of financial support for your studies and living costs with your visa application.

Except for the private Buckingham University and BPP University College, the majority of undergraduate education in the United Kingdom is funded by the government, with students paying only a small supplement to cover costs. 

UK students are aware of the academic hierarchy that exists throughout the country’s institutions. The Russell Group is a consortium of 24 of the best public research universities in Britain. Universities like the University of Birmingham, Oxford University, Cambridge University, and the University of York are part of this exclusive group. 

All of these institutions are highly regarded in their respective fields, and they attract prospective students from all around the world.

Tuition Fees

When it comes to higher education in the UK, you get what you pay for in terms of both prestige and expense. You should verify the institution’s website before making any further plans for your studies because tuition fees may vary from university to university and from administrative zone to administrative zone (England, Scotland, and Wales). 

Sure, whether you’re a native or not, you’ll need a lot of cash to attend a university in the United Kingdom. Luckily, though, there are a lot of scholarship schemes available, so it’s worth looking into. There is a significant international student population at British universities. After the United States, the United Kingdom is the second most popular place for overseas students to attend college. 

Joining the over one million international students now studying in the United States is a great first step towards a better life.

Although studying in the United Kingdom is not cheap, it is unquestionably a worthwhile investment of your time and money. Degrees from universities in the United Kingdom are highly regarded internationally.

Working permission while studying in the UK

The United Kingdom government has officially announced that the new graduate visa would allow international students to apply to remain in the UK for up to two years after graduation, beginning on July 1, 2021.

The visa is employer-independent, so you can apply for it even if you don’t have a job offer waiting for you when you land there. To qualify, you only need to have graduated from a college or university that has a history of adhering to regulatory standards.

Since the Graduate Route does not require sponsorship, you are free to spend your time following graduation working or looking for work, regardless of your degree of experience or education. In the United Kingdom, you can freely choose to intern, do unpaid employment, or work independently.

There is no set income criterion or cap on the number of overseas students who can use the Graduate Route to remain in the UK. If you are successful in finding employment in the UK within the first two or three years of your visa, you will be eligible to move to a skilled work path and remain in the country after your visa expires.

Career and Salary range in the UK

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reports that in 2020, full-time salaries in the UK averaged £38,600 and part-time salaries averaged £13,803. 

Previously, in 2019, they estimated that the average full-time wage in the United Kingdom was £36,611, while the average part-time wage was £12,495. In addition, the median annual wage for full-time workers increased from the previous year to £31,461, while it remained steady at £11,234 for those working fewer than 20 hours per week.

The median pay in the UK is a more reliable benchmark than the average salary since it is less likely to be distorted by a small number of extremely high earners. The median wage is the wage that lies exactly in the centre of all incomes, providing a real “middle point” against which your personal earnings can be compared. 

This is in contrast to the average, which is skewed by the top 10% of earners who bring in over £62,589 annually or more. The tentative ONS estimates show that chief executives’ salaries will once again be the highest of any profession, even more than those of airline pilots.

The average annual remuneration for a chief executive is £97,083. Although airline pilots make the most money overall, their salaries tend to be more spread out, resulting in lower median compensation.

The second highest-paid occupation was that of doctors and other medical professionals, who brought in an average of £79,767 and a median income of £75,855.

The top 10 best-paid jobs are-

• Chief Executives
• Doctors
• Marketing/Sales directors
• IT Directors / Head of Telecommunications
• Legal professionals
• Finance directors
• PR directors
• Train/tram drivers
• Headmasters/directors of education
• Electrical engineers

Salary range: 18-21 year olds

full-time salary	£18,881
part-time salary	£7,142

Earnings growth for those aged 18 to 21 has averaged roughly 7% annually. Those between the ages of 18 and 21 have median and average incomes of £18,087 and £19,000, respectively (the middle point of all wages). 

Sure, some people make more than that, but according to the ONS, just 10% of people in the age range of 18 to 21 have annual incomes of more than £26,000. Similarly, part-time workers have witnessed a rise in their pay, with an average annual gain of about 5 percent. 

Today, the median part-time wage is £6,514, and the average is £7,142. Only 10% of young adults (18-21) with part-time jobs make more than £13,000 annually.

UK Salary Range: 22-29 Year Olds

full-time salary	£29,209
part-time salary	£11,811

Part-time workers in this age range have experienced the largest year-over-year gain in pay, at 8.8%, and full-time workers in this age range have seen the second-largest increase, at 5.6%.

Full-time workers between the ages of 22 and 29 had a median salary of £26,096. Only 10% of people aged 22–29 make over £40,000 a year.

UK Salary Range: 30-39 Year Olds

full-time salary	£38,317
part-time salary	£15,096

The median annual income for full-time workers between the ages of 30 and 39 has not increased considerably from 2019 to 2020, rising by only 2.3%.

Part-time workers in this age range have seen a nearly 7% increase in their wages and earn a median salary of £12,000 per year and an average salary of £15,000 per year (these figures are so different because 20% of people aged 30-39 who work part-time earn between £20,000 and £28,400 per year).

While 30% of full-time workers make over £40,000 annually, only 10% of those aged 30-39 make over £60,000.

UK Salary Range: 40-49 Year Olds

full-time salary	£44,439
part-time salary	£15,408

In 2020, full-time workers in this age bracket can expect to earn £44,439 on average, while those working part-time can expect to earn £15,408.

In addition, the median wage for those aged 40 to 49 has increased, from £35,904 in 2019 to £38,012 in 2020, a 3.6% increase. Only 10% of those between the ages of 40 and 49 had annual incomes of over £70,000, the highest of any age group.

What’s more, 40% of people in that age bracket make above £40,000 a year (more than the average UK wage of £38k).

UK Salary Range: 50-59 Year Olds

full-time salary	£41,485
part-time salary	£14,650

In 2020, those aged 50 to 59 will enjoy a roughly 8% increase in average part-time pay and a 5.5% increase in the median wage (£11,914).

In this age range, the gap between the average and median full-time wages is significantly wider than in any other age range. 

Even though full-time workers make an average of £41,000 annually, the median pay is only £33,000. 

This is because only 40% of individuals aged 50 to 59 make more than £30,000 annually, and only 10% make more than £70,000.

Ten percent of men between the ages of 50 and 59 earn more than £77,500 annually, whereas the top 10 percent of women in the same age range bring in only £57,000.

UK Salary Range: Ages 60+

full-time salary	£36,123
part-time salary	£12,998

Income for people aged 60 and up has climbed by 2.5% year over year for full-time work and by 7.2% for part-time work. Part-time workers can expect to earn £12,000 annually, while full-time employees can expect to make £36,000.

Those aged 60 and up have a wide range of earnings potential, with 10% earning over £59k for full-time work and 25% earning over £40k. 

Most people over the age of 60 who work part-time do not bring in more than £20,000 a year, and only the top 10% bring in more than $24,000.

Conclusion 

The educational system in the United Kingdom has earned a worldwide reputation for excellence. There are typically five distinct levels within the British educational system, beginning with pre-school and progressing through primary school, secondary school, vocational training, and university (HE). 

Brits are required to attend school (compulsory education) beginning at age three and continuing through age sixteen.

Despite their many commonalities, the UK’s education systems in England, Scotland, and Wales each have certain unique features. These distinctions are not substantial enough to prevent us from referring to higher education in the United Kingdom as a single system.

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