In the UK: Educational Structure depends on if it is a "state" or "private" sector school as to what the levels or grades are called. It is very complex and really better viewed as a comparison chart. There is a great chart at: http://www.intense.co.uk/cgi/go.cgi?system,england Basically, it works out as: Nursery School and Kindergarten are the same in US and UK. With the exception of what we call the "schools", the ages and grades are essentially the same as State sector schools in the UK. Where it gets confusing is in UK's private sector education - there are different forms and levels requiring exams and, I believe, different paths can be taken. UK State Sector Schools: Infant / First School AGE: 5 Year 1 6 Year 2 7 Year 3 8 Year 4 Middle School AGE: 9 Year 5 10 Year 6 Secondary / Upper School AGE: 11 Year 7 12 Year 8 13 Year 9 14 Year 10 15 Year 11 16 Year 12 17 Year 13 US Grades and Schools: Elementary School (or Primary School): Begins with 1st grade at age 6. Goes one grade for each year of age through 6th grade at age 12. (add a year of age of the child is born after the end of September.) Some US states break for middle school: 7th & 8th grade, ages 12, 13 and sometimes 14. Some states break for Junior High: Grades 7, 8 & 9, ages 12, 13 and 14. High School: Grades 9 through 12. One "school year" for each grade with high school "seniors" (grade 12) graduating usually before their 18th birthday or shortly after. That is the end of "public" education (private schools are generally structured the same way.) All students are entitled to the free, public education through grade 12 (based on passing each grade, each year), withouts sitting for any special exams. Community College (sometimes called Junior College) are the next two years and may result in an Associates Degree. However, a student may apply to attend a 4 year college or univeristy with enterance beginning the year following graduation (or anytime thereafter). A student may also "transfer" from the Community College or Junior College to a College or University and complete their 4 year degree. While there are public and private colleges in the US, all education beyond Grade 12 (high school) must be applied for, a student must be admitted and all must be paid for. There are, of course, some exceptions, but this is the general structure in the U.S.