Unlike the American system, UK educational system is little more complicated. In Britain, a student must be in school until the age of 16. At that point, students can move to college. The SAT in American is requirement for post-secondary education admissions, in Britain; children take a test called the SAT in the equivalent of the sixth grade.

The British college is more of a vocational school than the bastion of liberal arts education the American system defines as college. Students can take the college route or study A-levels. A-levels consist of two years of advanced studies to prepare British students for university, the UK equivalent to the American University system. Being accepted for A-level studies is competitive and a necessary step for any student serious about pursuing university level education. For admission to the best schools in Britain like Cambridge or Oxford, completion of the A-levels with high scores is a requirement. At the age of 18, students are ready for university. University, similar to the U. S. College or university, lasts about four years. The post-graduate system closely mirrors the American system.

The British educational system provides the majority of funding for college, A-level and university education. In doing so, more citizens have access to post-compulsory education.