Education
School: Types of education
As a parent or guardian, you are legally responsible to ensure that all children of compulsory school age, (5 to 16), must receive a suitable full-time education.
You can register your children at a local council managed primary and secondary schools and the education in Wales is free. Most children in Wales receive their education in schools managed by local councils. You can find out the local schools in your area through My Local School. Please note that school places can be in high demand and you may not be able to get a place at your first choice school. Once you have registered your child at a school you are legally responsible to ensure that they attend regularly.
Independent or private schools charge a fee, although you may be able to apply for a scholarship in bursary. You can find the details on Independent schools in Wales.
You can also make other arrangements to give your child suitable full time education, for example home education.
School: Medium of instruction in Wales
The Welsh Language is the language of Wales which is different from English. Schools in Wales will either use Welsh or English as the medium of education. English will be taught as a subject in Welsh medium schools, and Welsh is part of the core curriculum in English medium schools and will be studied until age 16.
A Welsh language education may help your child to find work in Wales in the future. Many public services are delivered bi-lingually. The ability to speak Welsh is stated as ‘desirable’ or ‘essential’ in a number of jobs in Wales. Cardiff City Council’s website has a list of frequently asked question on the benefits of a Welsh medium education. There is also plenty of support for students who choose to study in Welsh medium schools, you can find the further details on Study in Welsh.
School: Supporting Your Child
Support can be put in place for pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), mental wellbeing and other specific requirements, please contact the school wellbeing team of school for support and details.
A new Curriculum for Wales starts from September 2022 and will be used by all secondary schools by the 2026/27 academic year.
Please contact the school to understand more about their curriculum design.
Education System: Pathway
The education system in Wales includes:
- Nurseries and Early Years: Children are entitled to a part-time nursery place from the start of the term after they have turned three. You could get up to 30 hours a week of childcare or early education if your child is 3 or 4 years. For further details please click on the following link: Childcare for 3 and 4 year olds | GOV.WALES
- Reception Classes: Children start reception classes in primary school in the September after their fourth birthday.
- Primary School: ages 5-11
- Secondary / High School: ages 11-16, at the end of secondary school children will sit GCSE exams.
- Further Education (including A-Level) / Colleges and Apprenticeships
- Higher Education / Universities
Education System: Current / Old Curriculum
The National Curriculum of Wales is divided into four Key Stages with different focus on learning and developing, you can find out more for the curriculum 2008.
The Foundation Phase(Early years + Key Stage 1): [Ages: 3-7 / School year: nursery-Year 2] You can find out more from Early Years Wales and Hwb foundation phase.
Key Stage 2: [Ages: 7-11 / School year: 3-6], also known as Primary education.
Key Stage 3: [Ages: 11-14 / School year: 7-9], Secondary school up to the year GCSE choices are made, and GCSE examination take place in Year 9 for some subjects.
Key Stage 4: [Ages: 14-16 / School year: 10-11], GCSE study.
Post 16: [Ages: 16+ / School year: 12-13], 6th form or 6th form college for some schools as well as further education colleges. A-levels are taken, but students can access vocational courses too.
Education System: Current / New Curriculum
A new National Curriculum of Wales is introduced in 2022 with removal of Key Stages. The new curriculum will be fully implemented in Wales by school year 2026-2027.
Curriculum for Wales groups subjects into six areas of learning and experience. Specific subjects will still be taught, but schools can decide to bring them together so learners understand the connections between them. In the Humanities Area, for example, a topic like climate change can be looked at holistically through geography, history and impact on society. Literacy, numeracy and digital competence will be taught and applied across the curriculum and to all throughout their education. The six areas of learning and experience are:
- Expressive Arts
- Health and Well-being
- Humanities
- Languages, Literacy and Communication
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- Science and Technology
Please contact the school for more understand about their curriculum design.
Further Education Colleges
Further Education (FE) Colleges provide post 16 education in Wales. Courses include A-levels and vocational qualifications. There are normally two levels of fee: a lower ‘home’ fee and a higher ‘overseas’ fee. FE funding for ‘home fees’ is not classed as a public fund for immigration purposes and can be accessed by a young person or adult if they are subject to the 'no recourse to public funds' (NRPF) condition.
However, to qualify for FE funding, a student must meet requirements relating to their immigration status and length of residence in the UK. These rules can be complex and are set out in detail by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA).
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are a great way to gain qualifications while you work and earn a wage with 20 days paid holiday a year plus bank holidays. You can start an apprenticeship by 16 and begin a Degree Apprenticeship by 18. All apprenticeships are available to anyone who live in Wales regardless their immigration status. You can find out more in Apprenticeships | Careers Wales.
Higher Education
Higher Education (HE) is usually taught in universities, colleges, and specialist institutions, for example music colleges or agricultural colleges. HKBN(O) Visa holders are classified as international students and HE courses would be charged at international student rates. You may be able to apply via your chosen university for a scholarship or bursary.
To qualify for home fees, a student must meet requirements relating to their immigration status and length of residence in the UK. These rules can be complex and are set out in detail by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). Once being granted settled status / Indefinite Leave to Remain, HKBN(O) Visa holders are entitled to home fees starting from the following semester.
Qualifications
Transferring your qualifications from Hong Kong to the UK. The UK European Network Information Centre (UK ENIC) provides expert advice on behalf of the UK Government on the comparability of international qualifications, including those from Hong Kong to UK qualifications. They can help with transferring your qualifications and comparing them with UK equivalents. You can apply on-line for a Statement of Comparability, which will evidence the level of your overseas qualification for employment, study and professional registration.
UK ENIC has conducted research into the comparable levels of the years of study that precede the full completion of the HKDSE. They are therefore able to issue Statements of Comparability, despite the formal exit qualification not having been completed. This can help guide schools and colleges on A-level enrolment and 16-19 funding exemptions.