Education systems in the United Kingdom are significantly influenced by devolved powers in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales. This decentralised structure permits each region to implement distinct educational policies tailored to their specific needs and priorities, fostering diversity and innovation in the realm of education across the UK.
In this article, we take a look at some of the differences between the English and Scottish systems specifically, and explore some of the top universities in each country.
Table of Contents
English vs. Scottish curricula
Scottish vs. English education level structure
English vs. Scottish qualifying examinations
Scottish vs. English university education
English vs. Scottish curricula
As two of the four nations that make up the United Kingdom, it is often assumed that England and Scotland share exactly the same education system. However, while there are many consistencies, there are some significant differences too, each with individual merits for young people.
Overview of the English curriculum
The English curriculum revolves around the National Curriculum, which is a set of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools to ensure children in England learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught (such as English, Maths, Science and Humanities) and the standards children should reach in each subject.
The English National Curriculum is divided into four key stages:
- Primary Education (Key Stages 1 and 2): Covers ages 5-11.
- Secondary Education (Key Stages 3 and 4): Covers ages 11-16.
- Post-16 Education: Includes A-levels, which are essential for university entry.
The curriculum in English schools emphasises standardised testing, with SATs, GCSEs, and A-levels marking critical junctures in a student's educational pathway.
Overview of the Scottish curriculum
Unlike the rest of the UK, Scottish schools have used the Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) since August 2010. Overseen by Education Scotland, the curriculum has just three compulsory core subjects: Health and wellbeing, Literacy and Numeracy.
The CfE aims to provide a more holistic education, focusing on developing skills for learning, life, and work. It is divided into different levels, not key stages.
- Early Level: Pre-school years and P1 (around age 5).
- First Level to Fourth Level: Covers ages 5-15.
- Senior Phase: Ages 15-18, focusing on National Qualifications, Highers, and Advanced Highers.
The Scottish curriculum is less rigid than the English curriculum, offering more flexibility for students to explore different subjects.
Scottish vs. English education level structure
Education levels in England
In England, children are normally 4 years old when they start their Reception year at primary school. They remain at primary school until they are 11, and then complete their secondary education between the ages of 11 and 16.
After completing both primary school and secondary school (if in the state sector this would be a comprehensive or grammar school), students can choose to continue their education through further education (FE) colleges or sixth forms, where they typically study for A-levels or vocational qualifications.
The English system is divided into Key Stages that correspond to different age groups.
- Key Stage 1 (Ages 5-7): Basic skills in reading, writing, and arithmetic.
- Key Stage 2 (Ages 7-11): More complex aspects of core subjects.
- Key Stage 3 (Ages 11-14): Introduction to a broader range of subjects.
- Key Stage 4 (Ages 14-16): Preparation for GCSE exams.
Education levels in Scotland
In Scotland, children also start school aged 4 but they remain at primary school until they are 12. They then complete their secondary education (high school) from age 12 to 18.
The secondary education system is divided into two phases: the Broad General Education (BGE) phase from S1 to S3, and the Senior Phase from S4 to S6.
The Scottish system divides education into different levels rather than key stages.
- Primary Education (P1-P7): Covers education for 5-12 year olds.
- Secondary Education (S1-S6): Covers ages 12-18, with a focus on broad general education until S3.
From S4 to S6, Scots prepare for National Qualifications, including National 4s, National 5s, Highers, and Advanced Highers.
English vs. Scottish qualifying examinations
Qualifying examinations in England
Examinations are a critical aspect of the English education system.
- SATs: Taken at the end of Key Stage 2 to assess proficiency in core subjects.
- GCSEs: Taken at age 16 in a wide range of subjects.
- A-levels: Specialised exams taken at age 18, crucial for university admission. Some students prefer to go down a more vocational route, with qualifications such as BTECs and the T-level available. Find out more
These exams are standardised, offering a uniform assessment across the country.
Qualifying examinations in Scotland
Scottish pupils are tested far less frequently over their school careers, with no requirement for SATs as in England, or standardised literacy and numeracy tests as in Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Scottish education system uses a series of National Qualifications.
- National 4s and 5s: Typically taken in S4.
- Highers: Taken in S5 for first year university entry.
- Advanced Highers: Taken in S6 for advanced university placement or specific courses.
These qualifications offer a flexible approach, allowing students multiple pathways to higher education.
Unlike in England, all exams in Scotland are overseen by a single awarding body: the Scottish government led Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).
It’s worth noting that pupils at independent schools in Scotland can also sit GCSEs, IGCSEs, A-Level exams.
Conclusion
As we have seen, there are certainly differences in terms of both curricula and structure when it comes to primary and secondary education in England and Scotland.
Each has their individual benefits, and it is almost impossible to directly compare the two in terms of the educational success they bring about.
The only possible platform for comparison would be the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). The Pisa report measures education standards among nearly 700,000 15-year-olds worldwide, testing students’ skills of reasoning, interpretation and problem solving. In the most recent report, England was the highest achiever in all three subjects within the UK's four devolved education systems.
Scottish vs. English university education
When considering higher education in the United Kingdom, both Scotland and England offer a range of fantastic universities. Applications for Scottish and English universities are both made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service, however, there are a few key differences between university education in the two countries that it’s important to consider when deciding on your university choices.
University education in England
English universities generally offer three-year undergraduate programs, though some fields require longer study periods.
- Entry requirements: Usually based on A-level results.
- Tuition fees: Can be substantial, often offset by student loans.
- Focus: More specialized study in chosen fields, with less emphasis on a broad-based education.
University education in Scotland
Scottish universities typically offer four-year undergraduate programs, providing a more rounded education.
- Entry requirements: Based on Highers and Advanced Highers.
- Tuition fees: Generally lower for Scottish residents.
- Focus: Offers more flexibility in changing majors and exploring different fields.
Top universities in Scotland
Here, we take a look at three of the top ranked universities in Scotland.
University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, and consistently ranked in the UK Top 30. Founded in the 16th century, it is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Britain and Ireland’s seven ancient universities.
It is made up of three colleges: Humanities and Social Science, Science and Engineering, and Medicine and Veterinary Medicine – which is regarded as a world leader within its field.
Source: University of Edinburgh website
Website: https://www.ed.ac.uk/
Top courses:
- #1 for Social Work (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
- #2 for Anatomy and physiology, East and South Asian studies, Nursing, Town and country planning and landscape (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
- #3 for Veterinary Medicine (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
Tuition and fees:
For 2024-25 (full time)
- Scottish students: £1,820 per year
- UK students: £9,250 per year
- International students: from £26,500 per year (course dependent)
University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is also a member of the prestigious Russell Group, and consistently ranked in the UK Top 30. It is renowned globally for the quality of its teaching and research, in particular relating to the medical professions.
Whilst it is the fourth oldest university in the UK and boasts over 100 listed buildings within its campus, it offers a very modern learning environment within one of the world’s most vibrant, and affordable, student cities.
Source: University of Glasgow website
Website: https://www.gla.ac.uk/
Top courses:
- #1 for Animal Science, Education, Nursing, Sport Science and Veterinary Science (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
- #2 for Dentistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Art and Design, Classics and ancient history, Drama, Dance and Cinematics and Medicine (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
- #3 for Biological Sciences, Law and Subjects allied to medicine (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024).
Tuition and fees:
For 2024-25 (full time)
- Scottish students: £1,820 per year
- UK students: £9,250 per year
- International students: from £21,600 per year (course dependent)
University of St. Andrews
The University of St Andrews was Scotland’s first university and only the third to be founded in the English-speaking world. It has a prestigious international reputation, and attracts students from all over the world — just under half of all students come from outside Scotland.
The university generally features within the Top 5 of UK university rankings, and is named the best university in the whole of the UK by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024. Some of most famous alumni include Prince William Duke of Wales and Catherine Duchess of Wales.
Source: University of St Andrews website
Website: www.st-andrews.ac.uk
Top courses:
- #1 for History of Art, Architecture and Design, Politics, and History (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
- #2 for Chemistry, English, and Physics and Astronomy (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
- #3 for Geology, and Business, Management and Marketing (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
Tuition and fees:
For 2024-25 (full time)
- Scottish students: £1,820 per year
- UK students: £9,250 per year
- International students: from £30,160 per year (course dependent)
Top universities in England
Here we explore three of the consistently top ranked English universities.
University of Oxford
Dating back to the 12th century, the University of Oxford is the oldest university in the English-speaking world. Its academic excellence is renowned the world over, and whilst the university has numerous strengths, it is particularly recognised for the calibre of its science programmes.
It was recently ranked number one in the world for medicine and among the top ten universities globally for life sciences, physical sciences, social sciences.
Source: University of Oxford website
Website: https://www.ox.ac.uk/
Top courses:
- The current Times Higher Education World subject rankings place Oxford 1st for many subjects, including Accounting and Finance, Archaeology, Biological Sciences, Business and Management, Chemical Engineering, Economics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Medicine and Dentistry, Physics and Astronomy, Politics, Psychology, Sociology globally.
- Within the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, Oxford is the top British university for Art and Design, Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering, Business, management and marketing, Civil Engineering, Classics and ancient history, East and South Asian studies, English, Geography and Environmental Science, Mechanical Engineering, and Medicine.
Tuition and fees:
For 2024-25 (full time)
- UK students: £9,250 per year
- Overseas students: Between £33,050 and £48,620 (course dependent)
University of Cambridge
The University of Cambridge is the second-oldest university in the UK and one of the most prestigious educational establishments in the world. The university is split into 31 autonomous colleges where students receive small group teaching sessions known as college supervisions.
Cambridge has some of the most ancient and iconic buildings at any university, yet facilities are modern and benefitting from ongoing and substantial investment.
Source: University of Cambridge website
Website: https://www.cam.ac.uk/
Top courses:
- Within the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024, Cambridge is 1st for over half of the subjects that have rankings. These include Biological Sciences; Chemistry; Computer Science; Electrical and Electronic Engineering; French; General Engineering; Geology; Italian; Land and Property Management; Law; Linguistics; Materials Technology; Mathematics; Natural Sciences; Physics and Astronomy and Sociology.
Tuition and fees:
For 2024-25 (full time)
- UK students: £9,250 per year
- Overseas students: £25,734 - £67,194 (course dependent)
Imperial College London
Imperial College London is a science-based university and member of the prestigious Russell Group, and consistently ranked in the UK Top 10. The university focuses on the four main disciplines of science, engineering, medicine and business, and is well-known for its application of these skills to industry and enterprise.
Its outstanding international reputation for both teaching and research attracts the world’s best scientists, engineers and medics, including recipients of both the Fields medal and the Kavli Prize.
Source: Imperial College London website
Website: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/
Top courses:
- #1 for Aeronautical and Manufacturing Engineering and Civil Engineering (2024 Times Good University Guide)
- #2 for Chemical Engineering, Geology and Materials Technology (2024 Times Good University Guide)
- #3 for Biological Sciences, Chemistry, Computer Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Maths and Mechanical Engineering (2024 Times Good University Guide)
Tuition and fees:
For 2024-25 (full time)
- UK students: £9,250 per year
- Overseas students: from £39,100 (course dependent)
University pathways with Kings
As we have explored, UK universities - English, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Irish - are highly regarded both in the UK and internationally.
Of course, just as important as your choice of university, is your choice of pre-university programme and the school where you complete it. This can also have a big impact on your academic achievements and future success.
At Kings, we offer a range of pre-university programmes at our four UK colleges, from A-levels to specialist degree pathway programmes for international students.
By selecting to study at our UK schools, you will maximise your potential, and be sure of a place at the best possible UK university.
For those who require English preparation, we also offer a range of English language programmes, from general English tuition to exam preparation courses and specialist English for career success.
If you would like receive more detailed information about the Kings and our programmes, please get in touch with us at enquiries@kingseducation.com.
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