Compare the system of education in Ukraine and Great Britain. Analyze new Ukrainian educational laws and the state policy.

Education in Britain developed by steps. Education in Britain is compulsory and free for all children between the ages of 5-16. About 93 % of all children are educated in state schools and the rest attend private schools. There are over 2500 private schools in GB Most private schools are single-sex until the age of 16. The most expansive schools in Britain - public schools like Eton college for boys and St. James school for girls.

Primary education takes place in infant schools (5 to 7 years old) and junior schools ( from 8 to 11 years). Some areas have different systems in which middle schools replace junior schools and take pupils ages from 9 to 11 years Schoolchildren attend a primary school for 6 years (5 to 11 years). When students transfer to Secondary School at the age of 11, they do not take any examination, but their reports are sent on from the Primary School. Most children – over 80% – go to a comprehensive school. “Comprehensive” means all-inclusive. They admit pupils of all abilities. Pupils in all state in schools in England and Wales study 10 main subjects, among them: English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Information Technology. Religious education is also taught. Attainment tests are given at the ages of 7, 11 and 14. At the age of 16 students sit the exams in as many subjects as possible. Weak students may only sit for three or four subjects. Better students take ten subjects. At the age of 16 about two thirds of these pupils leave school and get jobs. About one-third stay on at school until the age of 18, preparing themselves for higher education. More ambitious pupils continue to study in the 6th form. They stay on at school for one or two years to prepare themselves for university.

Universities and Colleges in Great Britain. There are over 90 universities in GB. They are divided into three types the old universities Oxford, Cambridge and Edinburgh Universities, in the 19th century universities, such as London and Manchester universities, and the new universities. Today higher education students in Britain is around 30%. There are some 90 universities, which enjoy academic freedom. Every University is responsible to its governing body. The regulations differ from University to University. Most degree courses at universities last 3 years, language courses 4 years including year spent aboard. Medicine and dentistry courses are longer 5-7 years.

Educational System in Ukraine. Education in Ukraine is compulsory up to the 9th form. The stages of compulsory schooling in Ukraine are primary education for ages 6-7 to 9-10 inclusive and senior school for ages 10-11 to 14-15. If a pupil of secondary school wishes to go on in higher education, he or she must stay at school for two more years. Primary and secondary school together comprise 11 years of study. After finishing the 9th form one can go on to a vocational school which offer programmes of academic subjects and a programme of training in a technical field, or a profession. After finishing the 11th form of a secondary school, a lyceum or a gymnasium one can go into higher education. All applicants must take competitive exam.

Higher education institution, offer a 5-years programme of academic subjects (later they can receive a candidates degree or a doctoral degree). Higher educational establishments are headed by Rectors. A university has a number of faculties.

All secondary schools, institutes and universities until recently have been funded by the state. Now there is quite a number of private fee-paying primary and secondary schools, some universities have fee-paying departments.

The new law is The External Independent Testing - is an examination for school leavers wishing to study in higher educational establishments that is both graduating and entrance one.

External independent testing after the final state examination can be in the following subjects: Ukrainian language and literature, history of Ukraine, mathematics, biology, physics, chemistry, geography, and one foreign language (of the pupil's choice) in either English, German, French, or Spanish. The results of the testing will have the same status as entrance examinations to institutions of higher education.