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I. Introduction

1. The purpose of the British education system

Not only provide children with literacy and the other basic skills but also socialize children. ★ to teach ― the three Rs ★ to socialize children

teaching them rules and values they need to become good citizens, to participate in the community, and to contribute to the economic prosperity of an advanced industrial economy. 2. The relationship between education and social class （1）. Inequality in British education

Educational opportunities for working-class and middle-class people can be very different

In Britain, the accent you speak with, the clothes, the schools you attend and even the school tie are all markers of your social class

（2）. Good education Guarantees a career

To attend the “right” schools (the famous boys? public schools like Eton and Winchester) and the “right” universities (Oxford and Cambridge) is still the single best way to guarantee a successful career. II. History

1. The influence of the church on schooling In the past:

Historically, education was voluntary and many of the schools that existed were set up by churches. At present:

The influence of the Church on schooling is still strong: until very recently, religious education was the only subject which was insisted by the state (other subjects were left up to schools to decide upon). Daily prayers and singing hymns is still a regular part of school life. Changes:

Christianity is no longer the only religion officially recognized. Some state- funded schools have Islamic religion as their creed.

2. Great changes in British educational system after the Industrial Revolution. (1) involvement of government -in taking responsibilities for the education of children.

In 1870, a law was passed to call for government–funded education. （before 1870, only 40% of children under 10 went to school regularly)

? By 1880, attendance at school for children between 5 and 10 was made compulsory.

? By the end of the 1st world War the school leaving age was raised to 14 in order to dissuade children from

leaving school to support their families.

(2) Education Act in 1944

a new educational system emphasizing equality was constructed after the 2nd World War with the assistance of church and trade unions. (because During World War II, schools were closed or used for war purpose education continued in the countryside on an as hoc basis---the disruption of the old education system) The result was 1944 Education Act

(Children would be admitted to schools not because of their social class or their parents possession, but for the abilities they display)

All children were given the right to a free secondary education to make sure more children had access to a good education.

(3) Introduction of comprehensive schools

In the 1960s, comprehensive schools were introduced all over the country (which ended the division between

grammar schools and vocational schools. )

Entrance exams were abolished and schools were no longer allowed to let children compete for places. (4) The Great Education Debate

In 1976, the Labor Party started \“ about national standards and styles of teaching. The Labor Party was concerned about the inadequate skills of the labor force. III. The present education system

1. Education in the UK is compulsory.

Children are legally obliged to attend school from the ages of 5 (4 in Northern Ireland) to 16. 2. State schools and private schools (1) State schools

State schools are funded by local and central government.

They provide free education for students and about 93% British children go to state schools. (2) Independent schools

Independent schools are commonly called public schools which receive their funding through the private sector and tuition rates, with some government assistance.

Independent schools are not part of national education system, but the quality of instruction and standards are maintained through visits from Her Majesty?s Inspectors of Schools. (皇家督学） 3. Schooling stages and exams (1)Pre-primary schooling

Up to age 5, children may have some pre-primary schooling in nursery schools, daycare or play groups. (2)Primary school

Between 5 to 11, pupils mainly attend state sector primary schools.

They are called co-educational or mixed schools because they admit both boys and girls. (3)Secondary schools

①From 11 up to 19, students attend secondary schools ②Two types of secondary schools: ◆Comprehensive schools

●They are the most popular secondary schools in Britain today. They admit children without reference to their academic abilities

●They provide a general education, teaching students everything from academic subjects to more practical subjects ◆Grammar schools

●Grammar schools select children at the age of 11 through an examination ―the 11-plus.

●These schools lay emphasis on advanced academic subjects and expect many of their pupils to go on to universities.