A United Kingdom education is second to none.This lead the world in cutting-edge research opportunities, internationally recognised degrees and relevant, high-quality, high-standard training.About 800,000 international students are finding this out for themselves.The UK Government is responsible for Education in England with the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families and the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills leading, though the day to day administration and funding of state schools is the responsibility of Local Education Authorities.Studying in the United Kingdom will not only give students a thorough understanding of the subject but also analytical abilities and problem solving skills that are much prized by employers.Maintained schools ('state schools') in England, Wales and Northern Ireland follow the National Curriculum which was introduced by the UK government under the Education Reform Act 1988. Independent schools do not need to follow any set curriculum, as long as they are providing a reasonable standard of education.In England, children attend secondary education from the age of eleven, going to a comprehensive school, grammer school or an independent (fee-paying) school. Some local authorities operate a three-tier system, where children leave primary school aged 9 to go on to a middle school until the age of 13.