Independent Schools

First of all they are private schools charging fees (плата). This is why they are independent of public funds and of State Education System, but they are open to government control and inspection. There is a wide range of Independent Schools covering every age group and grate of education. They include Nursery Schools and Kindergartens, Primary and Secondary Schools.

The most important and expensive of this Independent Schools are known as Public Schools. Some of the Public Schools date from 16^th century and early. In the several Public Schools the most famous are the “Clarendon Nine” it was named after Great Claredon who was Chancellor (директор) of Oxford.

Claredon Nine:

Winchester (1382)

Eton (1440)

St. Paul’s (1509)

Shrewsbury (1552)

Westminster (1560)

The Merchant Taylor’s (1561)

Rugby (1567)

Harrow (1571)

Charterhouse (1611)

Demands for Public Schools are so great now that many register their children at birth. Public Schools admit pupils from Private Preps Schools which prepared for the Common Entrance Examination (CEE) (общий вступительный экзамен для поступления в привилегированную частную школу).

After 16

Pupils going onto high education or professional training usually take “A” (advanced) level examination (2 or 3 subjects). This replies two more years of study after GCSE either in the sixth-form of a secondary or in a separate sixth-form college. The “A” level exam is taken at the age of 18 and is the main standard for entry to university and two more forms of professional training. But some pupils want to stay at school after taking their GCSE to prepare for a vocation course (профессия) for work rather then for “A” level examination. Then they take Certificate of Prevocational Education (CPVE) (предварительный экзамен по проф-обучению, предназначенный для работы в промышленности или в администрации).

About 45% of schools leavers continue full-time education after 16. Students of two more years usually take “A” level (advanced – повышенного уровня) exam.

“AS” (Advanced Supplementary) level exam (дополнительный экзамен к “A” level)

The O-level (Ordinary Level) was predominantly exam-based. This was advantageous for students in part-time or evening education.

The GCE (General Certificate of Education ) traditionally comprised two levels: the Ordinary Level (O Level) and the Advanced Level (A Level). More recently examination boards also offer an intermediate (средний) third GCE level, the Advanced Subsidiary Level (AS Level) replacing the earlier Advanced Supplementary level. To earn the General Certificate of Education students need to pass one of the Ordinary Level tests, and only those who score higher than the sixtieth percentile for a given test pass it, so that only 30% of test takers in a given year earn the Certificate.

GNVQs – Greater National Vocational Qualifications (it takes to get a recognised qualification related to a particular industry or sector. It can be taken during studying NVQs at work or college)

It’s quite common to combine two “A” level with “AS” level or one “A” level with GNVQs.

Pupils who taken “A” level study traditional subjects such as French, physics or history to go to university pupil need 2 or 3 “A” levels.

“AS” levels are the same standards as “A” levels but only half the content. For example, “AS” level German pupils take “A” level German literature exam, but now German language.

Pupils usually take one GNVQs in subjects as business, legislation, tourism, manufactory, art and design. One GNVQs at advanced level (повышенный уровень) is equal two “A” levels.

Sixth form education takes place from the age of 16 after a child has finished their GCSEs.