In Britain, school is [?] between the ages of five and sixteen. education continues until the age of eleven. Pupils wishing to enter usually finish their education when they are eighteen. Other types of education are available for those who want to learn a trade such as catering or specialize at an early stage. In recent years, the proportion of young people entering university has risen dramatically. The variety of degree on offer has also widened. It is now common for students entering fields such as nursing to be based at university.
Educational terminology can be very confusing. For example, preparatory and schools are fee-paying and both belong to the independent or sector. schools, which fall between primary and secondary education, are part of the state system, but do not exist in all parts of Britain. Most state secondary schools are "comprehensives" and are non-selective. However, in some towns, institutions known as [?] schools operate selectively. Children are tested at the age of eleven and the bright ones are creamed off. Many parents argue that [?] schools should be abolished to allow equality of opportunity for all children. Others insist that a fast track is needed for [?] pupils and that diversity means more freedom of choice.
(Source: written by Ted Power, http://www.btinternet.com/~ted.power/ted.html)