In the United Kingdom children begin their education
at 5 years of age and continue studies until they are 16.
Schools can be either state where tuition is offered
at no charge, or non-state public where tuition is paid.
The most celebrated institutions of the latter type are Eton College, Harrow, Radley, and Winchester schools.
The main subjects are literature, English, foreign
languages, mathematics, natural sciences, and additional options varying from school to school. In the course of their education students regularly sit for nationwide tests,
the Standard Assessment Tasks, or SATs.
Upon completing secondary education all students pass
final exams and obtain their first certificate, the General Certificate of Secondary Education, or GCSE.