Life In The UK Test - Free Materials

More young people go to university now than in the past. Many go after A levels (or
Higher grades in Scotland) at age of 18 but it is also possible to go to university later in
life. At present, most students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have to pay
towards the cost of their tuition fees and to pay for their living expenses. In Scotland
there are no tuition fees but after students finish university they pay back some of the cost
of their education in a payment called an endowment. At present, universities can charge
up to GBP 3,000 per year for their tuition fees, but students do not have to pay anything
towards their fees before or during their studies. The government pays their tuition fees
and then charges for them when a student starts working after university. Some families
on low incomes receive help with their children’s tuition fees. This is called a grant. The
universities also give help, in the form of bursaries. Most students get a low-interest
student loan from a bank. This pays for their living costs while they are at university.
When a student finishes university and starts working, he or she must pay back the loan.

Check that you understand

The different stages of a child’s education
That there are differences in the education systems in England, Scotland, Wales and
Northern Ireland
That there are different kinds of school, and that some of them charge fees.
What the National Curriculum is
What the governing body of a school does
Options for young people at the age of 16
Courses available at FE colleges
Where you can get English classes or other education for adults, including university