The School System in England & Wales

Age	School Year	Exams	Compulsory Subjects	Optional Subjects
16	11	GCSEs (taken in June)	English (Language & Literature) Maths Science PE (Physical Education) RE (Religious Education) ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence)	Choose an additional 4 subjects
17	12 (1st year of 6th form)	AS Levels (taken in June)	None	Choose 4 subjects

The School System in Scotland

Age	School Year	Exams	Compulsory Subjects	Optional Subjects
16	4	SCE Ordinary Levels (taken in May)	English (Language & Literature) Maths Science PE (Physical Education) RE (Religious Education) ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence)	Choose an additional 4 subjects
17	5	SCE Higher Level	None	Choose 4 subjects

The School System in Ireland

Age	School Year	Exams	Compulsory Subjects	Optional Subjects
16-17	4	Leaving Certificate (1st year)	English (Language & Literature) Maths Science PE (Physical Education) RE (Religious Education)	Choose 4 subjects