Reading. Unit 1. 8F

Although primary school in the UK lasts from the age of five until eleven, pupils usually change teachers for every subject, just like in secondary school.

Even though both grammar and comprehensive schools are free, grammar schools are open to everyone from the neighbourhood, whether they pass exams or not.

Since private schools often charge fees and some of them are boarding schools, only a small part of children study there.

While Eton is a private boarding school, it is also one of the most popular state schools in London.

In contrast to primary school, secondary students are taught different subjects by different teachers, which prepares them for future exams.

Even if homeschooling is possible, British law allows it only for children under the age of eleven.

Because uniforms are typical in most British schools, students are generally not allowed to wear their own casual clothes to lessons.

Although the school day begins at nine with an assembly, students usually have only two lessons before lunch and all the rest afterwards.

Even though classes officially finish at 3:45 pm, many students still stay for sports, drama, or other extracurricular clubs.

Since the summer holidays in Britain last only two weeks, pupils enjoy much more free time at Christmas and Easter.

While students must take exams every year, only those written in the middle of primary school count for university admission.

Because Oxford and Cambridge are the most prestigious universities in the UK, many teenagers dream of studying there.