Exams

There are two nationwide exam systems: GCE (General Certificate of Education) and CSE (Certificate of Secondary Education). The CSE syllabus allows the teacher more control of what he or she teaches. The exams are taken in individual subjects, so a pupil may take as many subjects as ability and time permit, and success or failure in one subject will not influence another.

Pupils take the first examination when they are about 16. It is called “0” (ordinary) level. Five 0-levels, including English and Maths, are a standard requirement for professional jobs such as nursing, clerical officer in the civil service and assistant librarian. Pupils may leave school after this examination. Pupils who want to go on to college or university usually take seven or eight 0-levels, followed by a two-year course leading to “A” (advanced) level. Most pupils take A-level when they are about 18. It is quite a difficult exam, so pupils don’t usually take it in mor