The British Education System is divided into four main stages: primary, secondary, further, and higher education. Children typically start primary school at age 4 or 5, progressing to secondary school at age 11. The education is compulsory until the age of 18, during which students take General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) exams at around 16. After completing secondary education, students can choose to pursue further education through sixth form colleges or vocational training. Higher education institutions, such as universities, offer undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, with a strong emphasis on academic achievement and research.