Schools and Colleges in England

English Education System

The vast majority of Shrewsbury Education Service's International pupils come to us between the ages of 14 and 18. For the younger pupils, aged 14 and 15, the school year groups 10 and 11 are important. In these two years, all British pupils follow a programme which leads to the GCSE qualification, which entitles those with good grades to progress into the Sixth Form. The GCSE course comprises compulsory subjects, (English, Mathematics and Science) and optional subjects such as the Arts (including Art and Design, Music, Dance, Drama and Media arts), Design and Technology, Humanities (History and Geography), Modern Foreign Languages (French, Spanish and German), plus Business Studies.

Education at school is obligatory until the age of 16. After this age students either look for employment, seek professional training or, if they are academically inclined, progress to the Sixth Form (or Year 12). In England and Wales there are two types of Sixth Form.

Firstly a student may go to a State school with a Sixth Form attached to it. The advantage here is that the student remains in a familiar environment and benefits from an all-day programme, typically from 9.00 to 16.00. The second possibility concerns a State Sixth Form College which is not an extension of a particular school but is an educational establishment in its own right and may have a broader choice of subjects than a school Sixth Form.

In the Sixth Form, students prepare for their GCE A Level examinations over a period of two years. They select four subjects which they study in depth and they take examinations at regular points during the course. At the end of the first year they are awarded an AS diploma, with relevant grade, in each subject. At the end of the second year an A2 diploma is obtained in each subject i.e. a full A Level.

During the course of their second A Level year, students can apply for entrance to the universities of their choice. Upon examining the student’s application and academic history, each university offers a place to the candidate dependent upon examination results. The highest performing universities such as Oxford or Cambridge will demand that the applicant obtains A grades in each of his/her four subjects. Other universities may be less stringent and may demand 2 A’s and 2 B’s or, for example, B,B,C,C.

Reviews of education performed since 2000 have highlighted a need for more 16-19 year olds to prolong their education, especially in professional/vocational fields. Consequently a number of reforms have been planned, which also concern A Level programmes. These reforms were commenced in 2008 and for A Level subjects involve the introduction of an A* grade for the best students, more challenging examinations and a new extended project for which students will receive an extra diploma.

These reforms will be introduced gradually to ensure that the changes are smoothly integrated.

International Baccalaureate

As an addition to our programme, we are delighted to announce the introduction of the International Baccalaureate at one of our partner colleges for students aged 16-19. The International Baccalaureate is an academically challenging course lasting two years and is an alternative way to gain entry to university either in Britain or other countries. Indeed it has gained recognition and respect from the world's leading universities including Oxford and Cambridge.

English as a Foreign Language (EFL)/English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

A significant component of your educational programme with SEdS is tuition and support in English for Speakers of other Languages (ESOL). This component is integrated into your academic programme and delivered by our specialist Language Teachers. It provides all students with the solid foundations required for success in their school which is recognised throughout the world by universities and employers alike. There are five different levels of Cambridge diploma of which the third level, First Certificate (FCE) and fourth level, Cambridge Advanced (CAE), are the most popular amongst our students.

Our Partner Schools

Shrewsbury Education Service co-operates with a selection of partner schools and colleges, all in the region of Shropshire. These include State and Independent schools which are characterised by excellent facilities including up to date computer technology and an all-day timetable. Class sizes in State schools are typically 20-25 pupils per group, sometimes smaller depending on the subject and in Independent schools between 10 and 15 pupils. All pupils, whether in State or Independent schools are supported by a strong pastoral programme, which underpins academic performance and helps in the development of the well-rounded young person. The teachers in all our schools are caring and committed professionals who far exceed their stipulated duties. For example, they often provide individual support for pupils who have difficulties in particular subject areas or organise extra-curricular activities or trips after school and in their free time. The curriculum in each of our schools is in accordance with the National Education System and ultimately leads to entry to university.

Selecting a School For Your Child

Shrewsbury Education Service co-operates with several Independent and State partner schools/colleges in Shropshire, each of which offers high standards of education, facilities and support. This selection of schools enables us to place our pupils in the most suitable and effective environment for their educational needs.

When you enquire about a school place for your son or daughter, we will inform you of the opportunities which are open to you, taking into account your wishes for State or Independent education, factors such as your daughter's or son's age and ability and importantly your budget. We will also advise you on the benefits a stay in England will bring and the positive educational and personal consequences our programmes will have upon the future educational prospects for your child.

Following our initial consultation, we will send to you an information pack which will include the brochure of the particular school(s) which we recommend to you. We invite you to contact us to discuss matters further and we very much welcome your questions because we are fully aware of the significance of your decision to enable your child to further his/her education in England. We also invite parents and pupils to visit us here in Shrewsbury and offer them a guided tour of the school(s) in question plus introduce them to the locality. This is the perfect opportunity to learn about our programmes face to face and to allow you and your child to familiarise yourselves with our Co-ordinators, schools, teachers and accommodation providers. What's more we assist parents in the organisation of their visit, arranging accommodation and transfers from airports and railway stations.

We believe that our educational service is truly exceptional both in the quality we provide and in the comprehensive support we offer to all parents and their children. Moreover, as we only co-operate with selected schools in a specific region, we can ensure that we have the knowledge and experience and above all the local presence to provide all parties with the very best service.

Sample Directory of Subject Areas

A Levels

Art	Film Studies	Music
Biology	Geography	Photography
Business Studies	Geology	Physical Education
Chemistry	History	Physics
Drama & Theatre Studies	Applied ICT	Psychology
Electronics	Mathematics	ReligiousStudies
English Literature	Further Mathematics	Sociology
English Language	Law	Technology – Product Design
English Combined	Media Studies	Technology - Textiles
General Studies	Modern Languages: French, Spanish, German	Travel & Tourism

Most subjects are available at each school

Professional Courses

Art & Design	Agriculture & Engineering
Health & Social Care	Animal Management and Welfare
Football Academy	Business Administration & ICT
Sport & Exercise Sciences	Countryside and Environmental Management
Travel & Tourism	Equine
Accounting & Finance	Horticulture & Floristry
Engineering	Computing
Hospitality & Catering

Qualifications

The most common qualifications offered are:

GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION (GCSE) Pupils take GCSE exams at 16, normally in eight subject areas. With good grades they can continue to study at A level.

A LEVEL - (Level 3 Qualifications) These exams in four subject areas are usually taken at the age of 18 after two years of study. Depending on the results students can then apply to study at University during their second year. Grades range from A to E. At the end of the first year of study at A level students can obtain an AS level in each of their chosen subjects. An AS diploma has half the value of the full A level.

BTEC NATIONAL DIPLOMA AND GNVQ ADVANCED DIPLOMA - (Level 3 Qualifications) These are professional qualifications, typically in areas such as Travel and Tourism, Hospitality & Catering, Business or Computing. (see Schools & Colleges page for a full list of courses.) It is possible to study at University after obtaining these diplomas.

European qualifications are accepted by each Member State and we have many students who, for example, study with us at A level and return to their own country to study at University. It is however sometimes the case that subject combinations are prescribed by individual European countries and students should check with their Ministry of Education to ensure that their chosen subjects are acceptable. All our courses are supplemented with English for Speakers of Other Languages leading to diplomas which are recognised worldwide and are a pre-requisite if students wish to study at an English speaking university. In addition all the A Level and BTEC National courses we offer lead to study at university.

CAMBRIDGE CERTIFICATES IN ENGLISH AS A FOREIGN LANGUAGE (EFL) These ESOL examinations are set by the University of Cambridge at 5 levels of increasing difficulty. They are recognised throughout the world by universities and employers alike and are linked to the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework for Modern Languages. Each level of the examinations tests the four language skills of Speaking, Listening, Reading and Writing.

i) Key English Test: KET is the first level basic Cambridge exam in English for Speakers of Other Languages.

ii) Preliminary English Test: PET is an intermediate level Cambridge exam at a simple level.

iii) First Certificate in English: Designed for learners whose command of English is adequate for many practical everyday purposes, including business and study. This Certificate is taken by more than 270,000 people each year in more than 100 countries and is a valuable qualification for anyone who wants to work or study abroad or to develop a career which requires language skills, including business, medicine, engineering and many other professions. Employers throughout the world recognise this level. It indicates sufficient proficiency in English to be of practical use in clerical, secretarial and managerial jobs in many industries, in particular tourism, where contact with English speakers is required.

iv) Certificate in Advanced English: CAE is for learners who are reaching a standard of English that is adequate for most purposes, including business and study. Success at this level indicates the ability to use English effectively and perform confidently in social and professional situations, and in higher education. CAE is taken by more than 60,000 people each year in more than 60 countries and is seen by institutions of higher education in many countries as proof of adequate language skills for courses taught and assessed in English. Almost all universities in the UK and a growing number in the USA recognise CAE, as do many employers throughout the world.

v) Certificate of Proficiency in English: CPE is for learners who have achieved a high level of language skills and are able to function effectively in almost any English-speaking context. Successful candidates at this level are approaching a standard of English similar to that of an educated native speaker. Every year over 45,000 people take the CPE exam in more than 80 countries and success at this level represents a significant personal achievement. CPE Certificates are recognised by institutions of higher education in many countries - including almost all universities in the UK and a rapidly growing number in the USA.

INTERNATIONAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TESTING SYSTEM (IELTS) IELTS is a test of English language proficiency and is jointly managed by University of Cambridge Examinations (ESOL) and the British Council. Candidates who intend to apply to universities should opt for the Academic Module. IELTS is accepted by most English speaking countries and an increasing number of academic institutions in the USA as well as a variety of professional organisations worldwide.

At each level the examinations test the candidates’ ability to listen, read, write and speak in English.