United School International

Curricula, explained

• EYFS

  Early years · Ages 2–5

  The early-years stage of British schools: play-based learning of language, social skills and early reading and number.

• British curriculum

  Early years to sixth form · Ages 3–18

  Follows the English National Curriculum; pupils usually take IGCSEs around age 16 and A Levels in the last two years.

• IGCSE

  Ages 14–16, 2 years · Ages 14–16

  A subject-by-subject qualification taken around age 16 in British-style schools — usually 5–10 subjects studied over two years.

• A Level

  Last 2 years of school · Ages 16–18

  The British university-entrance qualification: usually 3–4 subjects studied in depth for two years; UK universities make offers on these grades.

• BTEC

  Secondary, career-focused · Ages 14–19

  Pearson's career-focused qualification in fields such as business, IT or sport, assessed mainly through assignments; taken instead of or alongside A Levels.

Ages are the usual bands; schools can differ.Curriculum basics guide