British Education - Understanding the UK curriculum of top British boarding schools, from years 9 -13. (Age 13-18)
- Independent Education Consultants
- Sep 9
- 5 min read
Divided into three parts, these 5 years include a foundation year, 2-year GCSE programme (iGCSE’s) and a post-16 2-year programme of either the IB Diploma or A levels.
Choosing the right academic pathway for your child is one of the most important educational decisions a family makes and is often a key driver in choosing the best British school to deliver their personal goals and ambitions for university or career. Whatever their future goal, achieving the best grades possible should be a key driver for both exam choice and subject choice.
With so many options within what is generally described as British education, GCSEs, A Levels, and the International Baccalaureate (IB), it can feel overwhelming. Below, we break down the key points to help parents make informed choices.
Year 9 - The Foundation Stage
Pupils study a whole range of core subjects, usually on a carousel timetable format and without much choice. (English, maths, sciences, a language, humanities, plus a range of creative subjects or those led by technology, as well as sport) The idea is to try lots of subjects, to be inspired where strong talents lie, as well as to keep breadth of interest, and to find potential new areas of interest in subjects that have not been studies before.
Some schools begin the GCSE maths syllabus in year 9, especially where they may be aiming to take a further maths qualification in year 11, going beyond the level of GCSE maths.
Years 10 - 11 – GCSE Stage
Most students in the UK take GCSEs (General Certificate of Secondary Education) at age 16, after studying the syllabus for two years. These courses provide a broad academic base, which is examined in May/June of year 11, with results published in August. The grades achieved here steer and open future study choices.
A recently revamped GCSE grading system has moved from letters over to numbers 9-1. (Some iGCSE examination boards still use the letters A*- G)
GCSE grades
Grade 4 = standard pass (like an old C).
Grade 5 = strong pass, often required by selective sixth forms or universities.
Grade 7/8 = strong academic achievement (old A or A*).
Grade 9 is a new distinction for the very highest performers, not directly comparable to old grades. This is awarded to only the top 3% of students.
Most of the top academic British schools require a minimum of grade 7 to continue to study a subject at A level. For some subjects, such as maths, they usually insist on an 8, or even a 9 to study further maths.
Range of Subjects gives a wide choice
Core subjects: English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, and Sciences (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Combined Science).
Humanities: History, Geography, Religious Studies.
Languages: French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, and others depending on the school.
Creative & Technical: Art, Music, Drama, Design & Technology, Computer Science.
Additional options: Business Studies, Economics, Physical Education, Media Studies, etc.
How Many Subjects?
Most students choose to take between 8 and 11 GCSE courses. Too many subjects risks diluting opportunities to gain the top grades.
The combination chosen should balance core requirements with a child’s interests, strengths, and long-term aspirations.
Core subjects are compulsory in most schools (English lang, English lit, maths, sciences) alongside a choice of additional subjects.
Some schools offer free choice, while others insist on studying a second language, or will steer choices via a range of option blocks.
Sciences are studied as three subjects but are awarded either as dual or triple award grades, depending on ability and ambitions to study sciences in future.
How to Choose the Right GCSEs
When helping your child select subjects, consider:
Future Pathways: Some A Level or IB subjects require specific GCSEs (e.g. Sciences, Languages).
Strengths & Interests: Choosing subjects your child enjoys often leads to better performance.
Breadth vs. Specialism: A broad mix keeps future options open, while specialisation can suit those with a clear career direction.
University Entry: Prestigious universities may look for “facilitating subjects” such as Maths, English, Sciences, and Languages.
Post-16 Stage : Choosing A Levels vs. IB Diploma
After GCSEs, families typically choose between A Levels or the IB Diploma for sixth form. This two-year period is usually called sixth form.
A Levels
Structure: Students specialise in 3–4 subjects, each one being studied in significant depth The academic level is considerably higher than GCSE.
Flexibility: Ideal for students with clear academic strengths (e.g. Maths/Sciences or Humanities).
Opens doors to new subjects: Psychology, Sociology, Economics, Business, Philosophy are popular choices in the A level programme, presenting opportunities to begin to explore possible aeras of interest post school.
University Preparation: Highly regarded by universities as showing the ability to cope with academic rigour. Most of the elite, academic, British, private day and boarding schools continue to offer A levels as the best way to show the capability of their best students.
Assessment: Exams at the end of two years. Suits those who prefer examinations as assessment, rather than too much on-going assessments such as coursework or researched essays.
IB Diploma
Structure: Students study six subjects (three at Higher Level, three at Standard Level), across:
Languages
Sciences
Mathematics
Humanities
The Arts (or a second subject from another group)
Core components:
Extended Essay (independent research project)
Theory of Knowledge (critical thinking course)
CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service) projects
Breadth: Ensures a well-rounded education with continued study of Maths and Languages until age 18.
Global Recognition: Highly valued by universities worldwide.
Why Choose IB vs. A Levels?
Choose A Levels if your child:
Has clear strengths in a few subjects, or is keener on sciences, humanities or languages.
Prefers depth of study over breadth.
Aims primarily for top UK university entry.
Has strengths in sport, music or other talents which need time to nurture, so perhaps a less busy timetable.
Enjoys end of course examinations, rather than other forms of continuous assessment.
Choose IB if your child:
Enjoys a broad academic programme and is unsure which subjects to choose to narrow down.
Is strong across multiple disciplines. Sciences, maths and languages.
Values international recognition and flexibility.
Thrives in independent research and critical thinking.
Many elite British schools have dipped into the best of both worlds.
Choosing a school which offers both A levels and IB diploma means you can steer this decision later, once you see how your child is developing academically in years 9 -11.
Many elite schools which offer only A levels, now also offer elements of the IB programme alongside A levels. For example, the opportunity to do an EPQ (extended project qualification) alongside 3 subjects for A levels.
Offering sixth form study modules in global citizenship and community is commonplace whether schools offer the a levels or IB or both.
Final Thoughts
The best choice depends on your child’s academic profile, learning style, and long-term goals. Start with a strong foundation at GCSE, keeping options open, and then decide between A Levels and IB with your child’s future pathway in mind.
If this piece on UK Boarding Schools has made you think considering British boarding schools could be the right option for your child, we offer a complimentary call for all families so we can explore this discussion further on an individual family basis. During the call we will ask you about your child, and your ambitions for their education. Then, we discuss how we are best to help you navigate the often-confusing waters of choosing, applying and securing an offer of a place to join the best British boarding school for your child and family.
Get in touch with us to find out more.
Or chat with us via WhatsApp if you need some help.