63 There are some differences among the states. Some independent schools for 8-13-year-olds are known (for historical reasons) as prep (preparatory) schools , and for 13-18-year-olds as public schools . In the UK a university is an institution in which students study for undergraduate and graduate degrees (like Master s degrees or PhDs). A college provides academic and vocational education for students between the ages of 16 and 18, but, traditionally, it may also refer to a single-sex, private secondary school, or a part of a university (a campus), especially in the case of older, established universities. to be entitled to: avere il diritto di craft: attivit manuale eligible: idoneo to enrol: iscrivere PhD (doctor of philosophy): dottorato provision: disposizione, fornitura THE SCHOOL SYSTEM IN THE UK Stages Primary education starts at 5 and continues until age 11. It may be divided into: Infant school from age 5 to 7; Junior school from age 7 to 11. Secondary education starts at age 11 and continues until age 16, usually with the final GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examination. There are different options of school, depending on whether they are: Grammar schools, which are statefunded and quite selective (with the eleven plus exam ); Public schools, which are independent, costly, selective, and, in fact, private ; State schools (usually called comprehensive schools), which are funded by the government. Post-16 education can take different forms, both academic (with final A levels or IB exams) or vocational (with final NVQs or BTECs qualifications exams): sixth form college; further education colleges; tertiary colleges; art, design and performing colleges; work-based apprenticeships, traineeships, and volunteering. Higher education include: Universities; Other institutions (colleges, institutes, and academies). Key features Education is compulsory until 18. Foreigners have the right to enrol their children in UK state schools, provided they meet certain residency and visa requirements. Over 90% of children between the ages of 3 and 18 are in education in state-funded schools without charge. Pre- and after-school activities are quite frequent and include breakfast clubs, drama, computing, food preparation, arts, crafts, sports, science, etc. Each student has to wear a uniform, defined by each school. This must not discriminate on the grounds of sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion, or belief. Opening hours are between 8-9 am to 3-4 pm, so pupils aged five to seven in state-funded schools are entitled to free school meals and fruit in the school canteen. Pupils aged seven to 16 from low-income families are eligible for free school meals. All school meals must follow the government s healthy eating standards and promote a healthy diet. Secondary schools must provide sex and relationship education. 130