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School in England | ESL/ESOL

The English school day from nine to half past three: uniform, assembly, three terms, and the exams at sixteen. A clear picture of the system for learners and for teachers who have to explain it.

The English school day runs from roughly nine to half past three, opens with an assembly, and is broken by a mid-morning break and lunch either brought from home or eaten in the canteen. Clubs and sport usually come after lessons rather than during them.

The year is divided into three terms – autumn, spring and summer – each cut in half by a week-long break, with longer holidays at Christmas and Easter and about six weeks in summer. Uniform is worn almost everywhere, in state and private schools alike, and pupils sit GCSE exams at around sixteen. All of it is vocabulary that unlocks a great deal of British children's fiction.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is school in England like?

Most children start at four or five, wear a uniform, and move from primary to secondary school at eleven. The year runs in three terms from September to July, and pupils take GCSE exams at about sixteen.

Do all English schoolchildren wear a uniform?

Almost all of them do, in state and private schools alike, usually a jumper or blazer in the school colours with a shirt and a tie. It is one of the clearest differences from schools in many other countries.

What is the school day like?

Roughly from nine to half past three, with a morning assembly, a mid-morning break, and lunch either brought from home or eaten in the canteen. Clubs and sport often come after lessons rather than during them.