Wales, Northern Ireland, England and Scotland each have their own educational systems. The three former countries have a more or less similar system where fewer subjects are understood in more depth, while the Scottish educational system focuses on more subjects and less depth. In England education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16. Primary education takes place in infant and junior school or in combined primary schools.

At the age of 11 children start secondary school which usually last until the age of 16, but can be prolonged a year or two through sixth form departments. After secondary school many students continue studying at university. There are several international schools in the United Kingdom, especially in London.