The United Kingdom (UK) is noted for its high standards for education, interesting teaching styles, illustrious universities, and high levels of student happiness. In worldwide university league tables, including the Academic Ranking of World Universities, Times Higher Education Ranking, and QS World Rankings, UK universities routinely place highly. Furthermore, degrees obtained in the country are respected throughout the world and are in high demand by businesses. How is the UK Educational System Organized? England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and Scotland are the four countries with jurisdiction over the education system in the UK. There are various educational systems in the UK; educational requirements; and regional rules and regulations in each of these areas. The primary distinctions between general and secondary education in the UK are what lead to each region’s unique credit structures and certificates. Key Stages There are five levels of education available in the UK: primary, secondary, further education (FE), and higher education (HE). All kids between the ages of 5 (or 4 in Northern Ireland) and 16 must attend school. FE is not required and includes non-advanced courses that can be studied in HE institutions and colleges for further (including higher) education (HEIs). The fifth stage, known as the higher education (HE) system in the UK, is study above the GCE A levels and their equivalents, which is often completed by full-time students in universities, other HEIs, and colleges. Since September 2010, all three and four-year-olds in England have been eligible for 38 weeks of free nursery education. Early years education in the UK is provided in a range of settings, such as state-run nurseries, nursery classes, and reception classes in primary schools, as well as places outside the state sector, such as nonprofit pre-schools, for-profit nurseries, or child minders. Early years education and childcare have significantly increased in recent years. The Foundation Stage, which was initially implemented in September 2000 and covered children’s education from the age of three through the conclusion of the reception year, when children are aged five, was added to the National Curriculum for England by the Education Act of 2002. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is a single regulatory and quality framework for the provision of learning, development, and care for children in all registered early years settings between birth and the academic year in which they turn five. The EYFS went into effect in September 2008 and is made up of three phases. At the conclusion of the academic year in the UK in which they turn five, each child’s growth and learning accomplishments are evaluated formally through the EYFS Profile (EYFSP).