The Russian Educational System vs the British One

CONTENT:

The Structure of the Educational System
Holidays and School Calendar
Study Load and Programme Slant
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In this article let's find out the differences between the Russian educational system and the British one.

Both the Russian and British education systems have their strengths: Russia focuses on strong academic fundamentals, while the UK emphasizes critical thinking and flexibility. Each has its drawbacks and advantages, depending on a student's needs and goals. In this article, we'll take a closer look at how these two systems compare in practice.

The Structure of the Educational System

Kindergarten

The first difference is that a kindergarten in Russia is usually an independent institution, while in the UK, children can go to school from the age of 3. There, several stages of preschool preparation are organised for them, each of them has its own pedagogical goals.

At private schools in Russia there are two groups that prepare children for basic education: Nursery and Reception. Teachers communicate with children in English, and a Russian-speaking assistant is available in the classroom for additional support.

Primary and Secondary School

While both Russia and the UK provide compulsory education, their systems differ significantly in structure, age of entry, and the nature of assessments. Understanding these distinctions helps parents and educators make informed decisions about a child's academic pathway.

Below is a concise comparison of key stages in primary and secondary education between the two countries:

Stage of Education	Russia	United Kingdom
Age of Entry	6–7 years	5 years (mandatory for all)
Primary School	Grades 1–4	Primary school (Reception + Years 1–6)
Secondary School	Grades 5–9; certificate after Grade 9	Secondary school (Years 7–11)
Compulsory Education	Up to grade 9	Up to year 11
Examinations	OGE (basic state exam) after grade 9	IGCSE at end of year 11
Certificate Awarded	Attestat (Certificate of Basic Education)	IGCSE
Sixth Form / Pre-university	Grades 10–11 (preparation for EGE — unified state exam)	Sixth Form (years 12–13, A-Levels)
Subject Choice	~12 compulsory subjects	2–4 subjects focused on university preparation

Pre-University Training

In the British education system, the final two years of secondary school (Years 12 and 13) are dedicated to pre-university preparation through the A-Level programme. Over this two-year period, students typically focus on 3-4 subjects that align with their academic interests and future career goals.

The A-Level curriculum emphasizes in-depth study, critical analysis, and independent research, allowing learners to specialise early and build strong subject knowledge. The qualification is widely recognised by universities in more than 140 countries, making it a globally respected pathway to higher education.

Holidays and School Calendar

Russia

The academic year starts on 1 September.
It is divided into 4 quarters, each lasting 2–2.5 months.
Middle and senior grades attend school 6 days a week, while younger students go 5 days a week.
After each quarter, there are 1–1.5 weeks of holidays.
Summer break is the longest — about 3 months.
There are approximately 34 instructional weeks per year.

United Kingdom

Children start school in early September.
The academic year is divided into 3 terms (trimesters).
Each term includes a one-week half-term break in the middle.
Full holidays separate the terms: 6 weeks in summer, and 2–3 weeks at Christmas and Easter.
School runs 5 days a week for all age groups.
There are approximately 39 instructional weeks per year.

Study Load and Programme Slant

In these aspects, the school systems of Russia and the UK differ greatly.

1. Curriculum Structure

The British curriculum becomes increasingly specialised with age: students study fewer compulsory subjects over time and focus on those aligned with their interests and future careers. In contrast, the Russian system starts with a narrow set of core subjects in early grades and gradually adds more disciplines each year, aiming to provide a broad and comprehensive general education.

2. Teaching Approach and Class Size

While "individual approach" is often mentioned in the Russian context, it's difficult to implement effectively due to large class sizes — typically 25–30 students. In the UK, classes usually have 15–20 pupils, allowing teachers to adapt instruction to individual learning needs and ensure every student receives adequate attention.

3. Educational Focus and Homework

From an early age, British schools encourage independence, critical thinking, and research skills. Students are expected to find information themselves, form opinions, and engage in discussions — not simply repeat textbook content. Homework often involves creative or investigative tasks.

In Russian schools, the emphasis is on discipline, thorough knowledge acquisition, and memorisation. Homework loads are generally heavier and frequently include exercises that require rote learning and repetition.

The British International School has been working in Moscow for 30 years and teaches children according to the national curriculum of England. Our experience shows that the British educational system is truly progressive. It gives not only deep academic knowledge, but prepares students for further study, work and adult life.