Read the passage below and choose one correct answer for each question:
Education in the United Kingdom is a devolved matter with England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales having separate systems. Education in England is the responsibility of the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills, though the day to day administration and funding of state schools is the responsibility on Local Education Authorities. Education in Scotland is the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, and is regulated by Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education. Education in Wales is the responsibility of the Welsh Assembly Government and education in Northern Ireland is the responsibility of the Minister for Education although responsibility at a local level is administered by five Education and Library Boards.
Across the UK, education is provided mainly by the state, though there is also an important private sector. Education, though not school attendance, is mandatory and attendance at primary and secondary is nearly universal. At these levels, school curricula, funding, teaching, and other policies are broadly set through government instruction, but with other more local input depending on the type of school and where it is situated.
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, primary school education starts from age 5; in Scotland pupils starting primary school range in age between 4 years 6 months and 5 years 6 months. The school leaving age is 16 though the government plans to make education compulsory in England until the age of 18. Universities in the United Kingdom are broadly government financed, with only one private university - the University of Buckingham - where students have to pay all their fees.
1. Who is responsible for funding of state schools in England?
A. Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families
B. Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills
C. Local Education Authorities
D. Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning
2. Who is responsible for education in Northern Ireland?
A. National Assembly Government
B. Minister for Education
C. Education and Library Boards
D. Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education
3. When do children in Wales start primary school education?
A. 4 years 6 months old B. 5 years old
C. 5 years 6 months old D. 6 years old
4. What does the word “mandatory” in the passage mean?
A. compulsory B. voluntary
C. significant D. necessary
5. Which of the following statements is NOT true?
A. Administration of state schools in England is the responsibility of Local Education Authorities.
B. In Scotland children can start primary school when they are 5 years 2 months old.
C. In England education is compulsory until the age of 18.
D. Across the UK, school curricula, funding and teaching are set through government instruction.
