A Comparison of Primary Education in the USA and the UK:

1- Primary Education in the USA:

(i) Introduction:

In the United States, primary education is referred to as elementary education and in most U.S. states, elementary education consists of the first eight years of traditional schooling. Preschools, which are less traditional and not mandatory are not considered part of primary education. The first year of primary education is called kindergarten which begins at about age five, followed by first, second and third grades, etc. Fifth grade is the final year of elementary education at that time the child is usually eleven years old. In 2001, there were 92,1858 elementary schools in the United States, of which 68,173 were public schools and 24,685 were private schools. Now in 2025 there are 64,000 to 66,000 elementary schools are there in USA. Some of these schools also provide pre-kindergarten education. Which are also called preschool or Pre-K. The first three to five years of a child's education are very important. At this age, children participate in various activities for physical, mental and emotional development, including character building, personality recognition, language and social skills.

(ii) Structure of Primary Education in USA:

Primary education in the United States begins at the age of five or six and depends on a particular state or whether it includes a year of kindergarten, although attendance at kindergarten is not always mandatory.

 

For kindergarten, a child must be five years old on a specific date. Usually, a child is required to enter kindergarten or grade one during the year in which he or she turns six. Almost all elementary schools have a mixed system of education, where children study from grades one to six from the age of five or six to eleven and then enter middle or junior high school. In some American cities, students study up to grade eight until the age of thirteen after which they enter senior high school for further education.

(iii) Curriculum:

Elementary school curricula vary depending on the goals of the educational institution and the local population. Students are promoted to the next grade based on their achievements in specific skills and only in exceptional circumstances is it necessary to spend a second year in a grade. Some schools promote children to the next grade based on tests and examinations.

Elementary schools teach reading, math, history, geography, music, science, art and physical education. Foreign languages, which were previously taught only in high school, have been taught in elementary schools for some years. In some states, no foreign languages are taught in schools. Elementary school students are given regular homework.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services launched the Head Start program in 1965 to provide early education, health and nutrition services to children and their families. In 2007, the program served 22 million preschool children and their parents.

(iv) Enrollment of Children:

All American children are required to attend school. Enrolling in a public school in the United States is a simple process and there are no interviews or other formalities. The only requirement for a child to be admitted to a school is that they reside in the district in which they are enrolled. Parents must provide proof of residence in the area, including apartment leases, utility bills etc. In addition, children's vaccination and medical records are required at the time of admission. The academic year in American schools runs from September to June and children also have a full summer vacation.

2- Primary Education in the UK:

(i) Introduction:

In the British education system, primary education begins at the age of five and continues until the age of eleven and consists of two stages. Pre school education is provided from the age of three to four. Primary education covers three age ranges.

1- Nursery (under five years of age)

2- Infant or Basic Stage one (from five to seven or eight years)

3- Junior or Basic Stage Two (up to eleven or twelve years)

In Scotland and Northern Ireland, there is no distinction between infant and junior school. In Wales, although schools are of the same type, the early years (three to five years) and the primary school (five to seven years) are combined to form a new stage of education, which covers the ages of three to seven. In primary schools in England, children usually study until they are fourteen, with some schools also providing a nursery for younger children. Most state schools have co education system.

Secondary education begins at eleven in England, Wales and Northern Ireland while in Scotland it begins at twelve. In England, some children enter secondary school through middle school and are between eight and fourteen years old.

The main aim of primary education is to teach reading, writing and math skills, as well as providing basic knowledge of science, mathematics and other subjects. In England and Northern Ireland, students are assessed or tested at the end of Primary One and Primary Two stages . In Wales, assessment is carried out in the final year of Foundation Stage and Primary Two.

(ii) Structure of Primary Education in England:

Education in England is controlled by the national government's central Department for Children, Schools and Families, but much of the provision of education is decentralised, with many responsibilities delegated to local authorities, voluntary organisations, home-based bodies and head teachers.

In Britain 150 local authorities are responsible for educational facilities in their respective areas. Local authorities are of two types. In a single-tier government, all matters are carried out under a single authority, while in second type the local government, besides the local council, the country council also carries out responsibilities. The local authorities are responsible for appointing governors, setting dates for admission to schools, preparing educational and financial plans. It also conducts examinations, ensures discipline among students and provides them with places in pre schools. These schools can be accompanied by nurseries that are run by parents' groups and voluntary private institutions.

(iii) Primary School Types in England:

1- There are three types of primary schools under the legal framework in England:

(i) Community Schools:

These schools are established and run entirely by the local authority and are funded by the local authority.

(ii)- Voluntary Schools:

These schools are established and managed by voluntary religious institutions, although they are funded by the local authority.

(iii) Foundation Schools:

These schools are also funded by the local authority however, these schools are owned by the governing body or a charitable foundation.

In England, primary school formally begins at the age of five while most children start school at the age of four.

 

2- The types of Schools according to different age groups are as follows;

i- Pre school or school for young children (four to seven years old)

ii- First School (eight to twelve years)

iii- Junior School ( seven to eleven years)

iv- Middle School ( eight to thirteen years)

v- Primary school with Pre School or Nursery (ages three to eleven)

vi- Primary school without Pre school or Nursery ( five to thirteen years)

 

Apart from this, there are a few other types of primary schools, including national schools for disabled children, main stream schools and some independent or private schools are also found where all the expenses of education are borne by the parents.

(iv) National Curriculum and Key Stages:

The United Kingdom's Education Reform Act of 1988 sets out a national curriculum for public schools, which includes the following features in addition to specific subjects:

i- Under this act, knowledge and skills targets are set and students are expected to meet these targets at the end of basic stage.

ii-Determining the lessons and skills to be taught to children during each stage.

iii- Student assessment through exams at the end of each stage.

iv- Evaluation of students' actual performance compared to targets.

Middle schools are considered primary or secondary schools depending on the number of children under and above the age of 11. Preschool education is also provided in nurseries, day-cares and playgroups.