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United Kingdom
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United Kingdom
Overview of the education system (EAG 2022)
  • Between 2000 and 2021, the share of 25-34 year-olds with tertiary attainment in the United Kingdom increased at an even faster pace than on average across OECD countries, by 29 percentage points (from 29% in 2000 to 57% in 2021).
  • In the United Kingdom, 57% of 25-34 year-olds had a tertiary qualification in 2021 compared to 47% on average across OECD countries.
  • In 2020, 72% of 3-5 year-olds in the United Kingdom were enrolled in early childhood education programmes education in the United Kingdom, compared to 83% on average across OECD countries. The share of children enrolled in private institutions at pre-primary level was 55%.
  • In the United Kingdom, men and women are equally represented among general upper secondary graduates. Men make up 46% of all vocational upper secondary graduates, below the OECD average (55%).
  • The share of part-time students at the tertiary level in the United Kingdom is 19%, slightly below the OECD average (22%). Compared to 2013, it has decreased by 9 percentage points.
  • In 2019, the United Kingdom spent 6% of its GDP or a total of USD 15 453 per full-time equivalent student on primary to tertiary educational institutions compared to USD 11 990 on average across OECD countries. Education funding reached USD 29 688 per student at the tertiary level, 20% of which corresponds to expenditure for research and development (R&D).
    • | Education at a Glance 2022 | Country Note | Annexes from Education at a Glance 2022 | OECD Handbook for Internationally Comparative Education Statistics 2018 | OECD Education Policy Outlook: United Kingdom | Department for Education | UK National Statistics |
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    The following list displays indicators for which your selected country shows the highest and lowest values among countries. The list can be sorted by level of education or by age group. All rankings are calculated including available data from OECD and partner countries. Find out more about the methodology here.

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    Educational outcomes

    In United Kingdom, the share of first-time graduates in general programmes at upper secondary level is comparatively low. (35 %, rank 31/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Attainment

    The level of upper secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary attainment among 25-34 year-olds is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (30.4 %, rank 33/42 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The level of tertiary attainment among 25-64 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (50.1 %, rank 7/44 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The level of tertiary attainment among 25-34 year-olds is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (57.5 %, rank 6/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of 25-64 year-olds who attained a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (26.4 %, rank 7/44 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-64 year-olds who attained a doctoral or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (1.6 %, rank 8/37 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of 25-34 year-olds who attained a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (34.5 %, rank 6/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of 25-34 year-olds who attained a doctoral or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (1.5 %, rank 4/34 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Attainment by gender

    The proportion of 25-34 year-old men who have attained tertiary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (54.1 %, rank 6/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The proportion of 25-34 year-old women who have attained tertiary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (60.9 %, rank 9/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Attainment by field of education

    The percentage of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of educaton is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (5 %, rank 29/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of humanities (except languages), social sciences, journalism and information is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (3.6 %, rank 29/29 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of arts and humanities, social sciences, journalism and information is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (12.9 %, rank 28/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the lowest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (2.7 %, rank 28/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the highest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (19.3 %, rank 9/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Participation in education

    The percentage of three-year-olds in early childhood education in United Kingdom is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (100 %, rank 1/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of four-year-olds in early childhood and primary education in United Kingdom is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (100 %, rank 1/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students in government-dependent private tertiary educational institutions is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (100 %, rank 1/22 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of 20-24 year-olds in United Kingdom is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (33.4 %, rank 33/41 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of part-time students in master's programmes is relatively large. (43.4 %, rank 6/34 , 2018) Download Indicator

    The percentage of 3-5 year-old children in early childhood and primary education in United Kingdom is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (100 %, rank 1/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of students enrolled in programmes providing full completion and access to tertiary education among all students enrolled in upper secondary vocational programmes is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (55.1 %, rank 28/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 17 tertiary programmes in United Kingdom is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.7 %, rank 6/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 18 in general upper secondary programmes in United Kingdom is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (4.3 %, rank 40/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 19 in general upper secondary programmes in United Kingdom is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.4 %, rank 41/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The enrolment rate of students aged 20 in general upper secondary programmes in United Kingdom is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0 %, rank 40/41 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The proportion of women among the new entrants in master's programmes in United Kingdom is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (60.1 %, rank 8/39 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of students enrolled in private institutions at all early childhood education level is comparatively high. (60.8 %, rank 6/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of students enrolled in private institutions at early childhood educational and development level is comparatively high. (82.4 %, rank 6/23 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of students enrolled in private institutions at pre-primary level is comparatively high. (55.6 %, rank 9/43 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Graduation

    The percentage of first-time graduates in vocational programmes at upper secondary level is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (65 %, rank 6/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of first-time master's graduates is relatively low in United Kingdom. (1.5 %, rank 20/24 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Graduation by gender

    The share of female graduates from upper secondary vocational programmes is one of the largest among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (53.7 %, rank 6/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of female tertiary graduates in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (19 %, rank 3/40 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of male tertiary graduates in the field of arts and humanities is relatively large. (12.4 %, rank 3/41 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of male tertiary graduates in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is relatively large. (12.1 %, rank 6/41 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of female graduates from upper secondary vocational programmes in the field of business, administration and law is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries. (54.1 %, rank 31/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of female graduates from upper secondary vocational programmes in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries. (6.8 %, rank 35/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Graduation by age

    The average age of upper secondary graduates from general programmes in United Kingdom is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data (15.6 Years, rank 38/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the average age of first-time tertiary graduates is relatively low. (23.4 Years, rank 29/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Graduation by field of education

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of arts and humanities is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (14.6 %, rank 5/40 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (9.2 %, rank 3/40 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (9.1 %, rank 32/40 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of tertiary graduates in the field of services is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.1 %, rank 38/40 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of arts and humaties in United Kingdom is relatively large. (13.4 %, rank 10/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of doctoral graduates in the field of Natural sciences, mathematics and statistics in United Kingdom is relatively large. (26.8 %, rank 10/42 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of upper secondary vocational graduates in the field of business, aministration and law is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (9.6 %, rank 27/33 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of upper secondary vocational graduates in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (7.3 %, rank 32/33 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Fields of education

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of new entrants to tertiary education in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is relatively low. (9 %, rank 35/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female who enter tertiary education in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (46.4 %, rank 32/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students enrolled in the field of engineering, manunfacturing and construction among all national tertiary students in United Kingdom is relatively low. (8.3 %, rank 34/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students enrolled in the field of services among all national tertiary students in United Kingdom is relatively low. (0.2 %, rank 33/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of new entrants to tertiary education in the field of services is comparatively small. (0.2 %, rank 35/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The proportion of new entrants to tertiary education in the field of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (0.9 %, rank 31/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (87.4 %, rank 5/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of women among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (45.5 %, rank 31/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The share of female students entering short cycle tertiary programmes in education in United Kingdom is one of the smallest compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (71.5 %, rank 17/22 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of men among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (54.5 %, rank 6/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of men among new entrants in bachelor's programmes in the field of education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (12.6 %, rank 32/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of agriculture, forestry, fisheries and veterinary is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (1 %, rank 30/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of arts and humanities is relatively high, compared to other countries with available data. (14 %, rank 9/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction is relatively low, compared to other countries with available data. (13.6 %, rank 27/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is relatively high. (25.4 %, rank 8/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of new entrants to doctoral programmes in the field of social sciences, journalism and information is relatively high, compared to other countries with available data. (15.3 %, rank 6/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Student mobility

    United Kingdom has a large share of international students graduate from tertiary programmes compared to other OECD countries and partner economies. (13.2 %, rank 6/29 , 2020) Download Indicator

    United Kingdom has one of the largest proportion of international or foreign students enrolled in tertiary education among OECD and partner countries with available data. (20.1 %, rank 3/44 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of young men who are neither employed nor in education or training among 15-19 year-olds is comparatively large. (8.6 %, rank 2/80 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of national tertiary students enrolled abroad in United Kingdom is relatively low. (1.8 %, rank 31/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the number of international or foreign students per national student abroad is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (14 Students, rank 2/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international and foreign students enrolled in doctoral or equivalent programmes is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with avaialble data. (41.2 %, rank 6/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, international or foreign students from North America are most represented among all international or foreign students, compared to other OECD and partner countries with available data. (4.9 %, rank 9/74 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of international graduates among bachelor's first-time graduates is relatively high. (18.3 %, rank 4/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of international graduates among first-time doctorate graduates is relatively high. (45.2 %, rank 4/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The proportion of international students among the new entrants in master's programmes in United Kingdom is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (49 %, rank 2/35 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of international or foreign students enrolled in bachelor's programmes is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (16.1 %, rank 3/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of international or foreign students enrolled in master's programmes is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (39.9 %, rank 3/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of international or foreign students enrolled in short-cycle tertiary programmes is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (4.7 %, rank 10/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the number of international or foreign students for every hundred national students home or abroad is comparatively high. (25 Students, rank 2/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the percentage of international or foreign students coming from neighbouring countries is comparatively low . (9 Students, rank 37/45 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in bachelor's programmes among men is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (17.3 %, rank 5/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in bachelor's programmes among women is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (15.1 %, rank 3/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in doctoral or equivalent programmes among men is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (42.5 %, rank 6/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in doctoral or equivalent programmes among women is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (39.9 %, rank 5/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in master's programmes among men is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (44.7 %, rank 3/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in master's programmes among women is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (36.7 %, rank 3/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in short-cycle tertiary programmes among men is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (4.6 %, rank 10/33 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in short-cycle tertiary programmes among women is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (4.7 %, rank 10/33 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in tertiary education among men is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (21.7 %, rank 5/43 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international or foreign students enrolled in tertiary education among women is relatively high compared to other OECD and partner countries. (19 %, rank 3/43 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Student mobility by field of education

    The percentage of students enrolled in the field of social sciences, journalism and information among all international or foreign tertiary students in United Kingdom is relatively high. (14.3 %, rank 7/33 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students enrolled in the field of business, administration and law among all international or foreign tertiary students in United Kingdom is relatively high. (33.6 %, rank 6/33 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of students enrolled in the field of services among all international or foreign tertiary students in United Kingdom is relatively low. (0 %, rank 31/33 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of international and foreign students among all students in the field of services is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with avaialble data. (0 %, rank 34/36 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of students enrolled in the field of science, technology, engineering and mathematics among tertiary students is relatively low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (23.3 %, rank 25/34 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student

    Annual expenditure per tertiary student is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (29688 USD Equivalent, rank 3/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Annual expenditure per student from primary to tertiary level is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (15453 USD Equivalent, rank 5/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Annual expenditure per primary student is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (11936 USD Equivalent, rank 9/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Annual expenditure per tertiary student is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (23884 USD Equivalent, rank 3/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student for core educational services on tertiary education in United Kingdom is comparatively high. (22565 USD Equivalent, rank 3/27 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Expenditure per student for ancillary services on tertiary education in United Kingdom is comparatively high. (1319 USD Equivalent, rank 3/25 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the total expenditure per full-time equivalent student on primary to tertiary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (14220 USD Equivalent 2015, rank 6/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the total expenditure per full-time equivalent student on tertiary education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (27320 USD Equivalent 2015, rank 3/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Expenditure in education and national wealth

    In United Kingdom, expenditure on primary through tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of GDP is one of the highest among OECD countries and partner economies. (6 %, rank 5/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, expenditure on tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of GDP is comparatively high. (2 %, rank 4/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, public and private expenditure on primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary educational institutions as a percentage of GDP is comparatively high. (4.1 %, rank 5/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, public expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP on tertiary education from final source of funds is relatively low. (0.5 %, rank 38/41 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, private expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP on primary to tertiary education from final source of funds is relatively high. (2.1 %, rank 2/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, total expenditure on educational institutions as a percentage of GDP on primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively low compared to 2010. (92 Index, rank 31/34 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the international expenditure as a percentage of GDP from initial source of funds on primary to tertiary education is high. (0.1 %, rank 8/30 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The public expenditure as a percentage of GDP from initial source of funds at primary to tertiary education is relatively high in United Kingdom. (4.5 %, rank 9/27 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The proportion of private expenditure as a percentage of GDP from initial source of funds for primary to tertiary education is comparatively large in United Kingdom. (1.5 %, rank 3/27 , 2019) Download Indicator

    From 2012 to 2018, the average annual growth in the number of full-time equivalent student in tertiary education is one of the largest in United Kingdom. (2.9 %, rank 8/40 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The private expenditure as a percentage of GDP from initial source of funds on tertiary education is relatively high in United Kingdom. (0.9 %, rank 2/28 , 2019) Download Indicator

    From 2012 to 2018, the average annual growth in total expenditure on tertiary education in United Kingdom is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (3.9 %, rank 3/32 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Public and private expenditure in education

    The share of private expenditure on all levels below tertiary education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (15.7 %, rank 7/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The share of private expenditure on tertiary education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (72.6 %, rank 1/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    United Kingdom has one of the largest shares of private expenditure on primary through tertiary educational institutions among OECD countries and partner economies with available data. (34.4 %, rank 2/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The share of public expenditure on educational institutions, for tertiary education is comparatively small. (23.7 %, rank 37/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of public expenditure on educational institutions, for primary to tertiary education is comparatively small. (64.3 %, rank 35/36 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the relative share of private expenditure from initial sources of funds on primary to post-secondary non-tertiary education is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (13.6 %, rank 6/28 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the relative share of public expenditure from initial source of funds at primary to tertiary education is relatively low. (74 %, rank 23/26 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Compared to 2015, the share of total public expenditure from initial source of funds for primary to tertiary education is comparatively small in United Kingdom. (100 Index, rank 30/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the relative share of private expenditure from initial source of funds for primary to tertiary education is relatively large. (24.7 %, rank 5/26 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the relative share of public expenditure from initial source of funds on tertiary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (48.9 %, rank 26/27 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the relative share of private expenditure from initial source of funds on tertiary education is comparatively large. (47.4 %, rank 3/27 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Nature of expenditure

    In United Kingdom, the share of capital expenditure on primary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (2.7 %, rank 30/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of capital expenditure on primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary education is relatively in United Kingdom. (3 %, rank 31/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The share of capital expenditure for primary to tertiary education in United Kingdom is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (5.3 %, rank 26/31 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The share of current expenditure for primary to tertiary education in United Kingdom is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (94.7 %, rank 6/31 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of capital expenditure on secondary education is relatively in United Kingdom. (3.3 %, rank 28/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of current expenditure on secondary education is relatively in United Kingdom. (96.7 %, rank 6/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Who the teachers are

    The share of women among teaching staff in pre-primary education is one of the smallest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (91.6 %, rank 35/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The percentage of primary to upper secondary teachers younger than 30 is especially high. (22.8 %, rank 1/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of primary teachers older than 50 is especially low. (15.6 %, rank 36/38 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of lower secondary teachers older than 50 is especially low. (18.2 %, rank 34/35 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of primary to upper secondary teachers older than 50 is especially low. (20.1 %, rank 35/37 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The percentage of female teachers aged 50 or more in lower secondary education is especially low in United Kingdom. (61.2 %, rank 26/35 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of tertiary teachers aged between 30 and 49 is relatively high, compared to other countries with data available. (57.1 %, rank 7/32 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Ratio of student to teaching staff

    The number of students per teacher in secondary schools is one of the largest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (17.7 Ratio, rank 8/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the number of students per teacher in general upper secondary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (16.1 Ratio, rank 4/33 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the vocational upper secondary level is especially high in United Kingdom. (24.7 Ratio, rank 1/30 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the number of students per teacher in public lower secondary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (16.8 Ratio, rank 7/40 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the lower secondary level in private institutions is especially high in United Kingdom. (16.6 Ratio, rank 6/39 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the lower secondary level in independent private institutions is especially low in United Kingdom. (8.4 Ratio, rank 17/21 , 2019) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the upper secondary level in independent private institutions is especially low in United Kingdom. (8.4 Ratio, rank 18/22 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the number of students per teacher in all public secondary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (16.8 Ratio, rank 6/40 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the number of students per teacher in all private secondary education is one of the highest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (18 Ratio, rank 7/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    The ratio of students to teaching staff at the secondary level in independent private institutions is especially low in United Kingdom. (8.4 Ratio, rank 21/24 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the number of students per teacher in private institutions tertiary education is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (13 Ratio, rank 23/29 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the number of students per teacher in government-dependent private institutions tertiary education is one of the highest among countries with available data. (13 Ratio, rank 9/13 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Class size

    Classes in lower secondary private institutions are comparatively large in United Kingdom. (23 Students, rank 9/31 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In independent private institutions at primary education level, classes are one of the smallest in United Kingdom among OECD and partner countries with available data. (12 Students, rank 16/17 , 2019) Download Indicator

    In independent private institutions at lower secondary level, classes are one of the smallest in United Kingdom among OECD and partner countries with available data. (12 Students, rank 16/17 , 2019) Download Indicator

    Employment and educational attainment

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds without upper secondary education is comparatively high. (63.9 %, rank 10/42 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with a doctoral or equivalent tertiary education degree is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (90.7 %, rank 28/35 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-olds with tertiary education is compartively high in United Kingdom. (90.3 %, rank 6/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education is compartively high in United Kingdom. (83.3 %, rank 8/42 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the employment rate of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is relatively high in United Kingdom. (90.9 %, rank 2/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the inactivity rate of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the lowest among countries with available data. (6.8 %, rank 39/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the employment rate of 25-34 year-olds with a doctoral or equivalent tertiary education degree is relatively high in United Kingdom. (93.7 %, rank 5/27 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the inactivity rate of 25-64 year-olds with a doctoral or equivalent tertiary education degree is one of the highest among countries with available data. (7.4 %, rank 6/30 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Employment by gender and educational attainment

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-old men with tertiary education is compartively high in United Kingdom. (92.7 %, rank 7/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-34 year-old women with below upper secondary education is compartively high in United Kingdom. (52 %, rank 8/41 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Employment by field of education

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of educaton is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (79.3 %, rank 26/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The employment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education who studied in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics is low compared to other OECD and partner countries. (80.4 %, rank 25/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Unemployment and educational attainment

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-olds with below upper secondary education is comparatively low. (8.8 %, rank 34/41 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-34 year-olds with tertiary education is comparatively low. (2.6 %, rank 39/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds without upper secondary education is comparatively low. (5.8 %, rank 35/42 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The unemployment rate among 25-64 year-olds with tertiary education is comparatively low. (2.5 %, rank 36/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The inactivity rate of 25-34 years-old adults with tertiary education is low in United Kingdom. (7.3 %, rank 34/43 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the unemployment rate of 25-34 year-olds with a bachelor's or equivalent tertiary education degree is relatively low in United Kingdom. (2.5 %, rank 36/41 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the unemployment rate of 25-34 year-old with a master's or equivalent tertiary education degree is relatively low in United Kingdom. (2.5 %, rank 31/37 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, the unemployment rate of 25-34 year-old with a short cycle tertiary education degree is relatively low in United Kingdom. (3.2 %, rank 27/28 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of adults who have been unemployed for at least a year among all unemployed adults with tertiary education is relatively low. (22.6 %, rank 32/38 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of adults who have been unemployed for at least 3 months but less than a year among all unemployed adults with tertiary education is relatively high. (38.9 %, rank 7/31 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the proportion of adults who have been unemployed for less than 3 months among all unemployed adults with tertiary education is relatively high. (38.6 %, rank 9/30 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Earnings and educational attainment

    In United Kingdom, the share of workers earning more than twice the median among those with a bachelor's or equivalent education degree is comparatively low. (13.5 %, rank 19/28 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 25-64 year-olds full- and part-time with below secondary education compared to those of adults with an upper secondary education are relatively low in United Kingdom. (70.2 %, rank 31/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of 25-64 year-olds with below secondary education compared to those of adults with an upper secondary education are relatively low in United Kingdom. (73.5 %, rank 32/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women (as a percentage of men's earnings) among full- and part-time 25-64 year-olds with below upper secondary education are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (57.2 %, rank 32/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of worker earning more than twice the median among those with a master's or doctoral or equivalent education degree is comparatively low. (19.3 %, rank 23/28 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of worker earning more than twice the median among those with a short-cycle tertiary education degree is comparatively low. (6.3 %, rank 26/30 , 2020) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of worker earning more than twice the median among those with a tertiary education degree is comparatively . (13.9 %, rank 33/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women (as a percentage of men's earnings) among full- and part-time 25-64 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (56 %, rank 36/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Earnings of women (as a percentage of men's earnings) among 25-64 year-olds with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education are one of the lowest among countries with available data. (70.1 %, rank 34/37 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Earnings by field of education

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of arts and humanities, social sciences, journalism and information are low, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (76.5 %, rank 12/14 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated full- and part-time adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of education, are low, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (77.5 %, rank 12/17 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated full- and part-time adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction, are high, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (133.6 %, rank 2/17 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of engineering, manufacturing and construction, are high, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (121.9 %, rank 3/16 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated full- and part-time adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of health and welfare, are low, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (81.4 %, rank 17/17 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of health and welfare, are low, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (86.1 %, rank 15/16 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated full- and part-time adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT), are high, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (122.6 %, rank 4/17 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT), are high, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (117.3 %, rank 3/16 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated full- and part-time adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, are low, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (96.7 %, rank 14/16 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Compared to other countries with available data, earnings of tertiary-educated adults in United Kingdom who studied in the field of natural sciences, mathematics and statistics, are low, when compared to earnings of adults with an upper secondary education. (91.9 %, rank 14/15 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Neither in education nor employed

    The share of youth who have been unemployed for at least 3 months but less than a year and not in formal education or training among 18-24 year-olds in United Kingdom is one of the highest among countries with available data. (2.7 %, rank 7/26 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The share of youth neither employed nor in education or training among 25-29 year-olds in United Kingdom is one of the lowest among OECD and partner countries with available data. (12.3 %, rank 34/38 , 2021) Download Indicator

    In United Kingdom, the share of women neither employed nor in education among 15-29 year-olds is relatively low. (11.4 %, rank 30/39 , 2021) Download Indicator

    The share of young women neither employed nor in education or training (25-29 year-olds) in United Kingdom is comparatively low . (13.3 %, rank 34/38 , 2021) Download Indicator

    Participation in education by gender

    The share of women among tertiary education new entrants is one of the largest compared to OECD and partner countries with available data. (55.8 %, rank 8/38 , 2020) Download Indicator

    Entrance

    The average age of new entrants in tertiary education in United Kingdom is comparatively old. (22.8 Years, rank 9/32 , 2020) Download Indicator


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    General findings
    
                        
    
                            
    
                                
    • Tertiary attainment has increased strongly in most OECD countries among 25-34 year olds. The average share of younger adults with a tertiary degree has increased from 27% in 2000 to 48% in 2021.
    • Higher educational attainment leads to better labour-market outcomes including higher wages and higher employment rates.
    • Expenditure on tertiary education accounts for 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on average across OECD countries or 30% of all education funding allocated to educational institutions.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Access and Participation - Tertiary | Education policies: Finance and Funding - Tertiary | Education policies: Labour market outcomes - Tertiary | 
    
                            
    
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    • Tertiary attainment has increased strongly in most OECD countries among 25-34 year-olds. The average share of younger adults with a tertiary degree has increased from 27% in 2000 to 48% in 2021. In this age group, the share of individuals with tertiary attainment is 7 percentage points higher than the share of individuals with upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary attainment on average across OECD countries. If current trends continue, a tertiary education will be the most common attainment among working-age adults on average across OECD countries within a few years.
    • Higher educational attainment leads to better labour-market outcomes. In 2021, on average, employment rates for tertiary-educated young adults (25-34 year-olds) are 8 percentage points higher than those who have attained upper secondary or post-secondary non-tertiary education and 26 percentage points higher than those who have attained below upper secondary education across OECD countries. 
    • Greater educational attainment yields better earnings and this holds true for higher levels of tertiary attainment in most countries. On average across the OECD, full-time full-year workers who attained short-cycle tertiary education earned 20% more than those with upper secondary attainment in 2020. This earnings advantage increases to 44% among those who attained a bachelor's or equivalent qualification and to 88% among those with a master's or doctoral or equivalent degree.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Attainment | Education policies: Labour market outcomes | 
    
                            
    
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    • On average, the vast majority (88%) of children between the age of 3 and 5 are enrolled in early childhood education (ECE) across the OECD. In a few countries, it is also common for younger children between the age of 0 and 2 to participate in ECE and over 50% of children in this age group are enrolled. However, only 27% of under-threes are enrolled in ECE on average across the OECD.
    • In almost all countries with available data, the majority of upper secondary graduates from general programmes are women. Men dominate graduation from vocational programmes in almost three-quarters of the countries.
    • While the average age of first-time graduates from general upper secondary education does not differ much across countries, the difference widens in vocational education, ranging from 16 to 34 years.
    • Around one-fifth of tertiary students are enrolled on a part-time basis, but large differences exist across OECD countries. Studying part-time is especially common in many Nordic countries, Australia, New Zealand and the United States, where more than 30% of students study part-time. However, in some countries like the Czech Republic, and Greece, less than 5% of students study part-time.
    • Students are more likely to cross borders to pursue their studies as they reach more advanced levels of education. Internationally mobile students account for only 7% of bachelor's students, but 17% of master's students and 26% of doctoral students on average in OECD countries.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Access and Participation  | 
    
                            
    
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    • Total public spending on education (from primary to tertiary level) averages 10.6% of total government expenditure across OECD countries, from around 7% to 17%. The largest share of government funding is devoted to primary and secondary levels, explained by near-universal enrolment rates at those levels of education and the greater contribution of private sources at tertiary level.
    • On average across OECD countries, expenditure on primary education amounts to 30% of the funding for educational institutions, while secondary education accounts for 39%.
    • In 2019, OECD countries spent an average of USD 17 559 per student per year at the tertiary level. However, this average is driven up by high values in a few countries, reaching over USD 25 000 in Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States.
    • On average across OECD countries, 63% of total expenditure on tertiary educational institutions goes to core services (e.g. teachers' salaries, school buildings, teaching materials and administration), 33% on research and development activities, and 4% on ancillary services (e.g. meals and transport).
    • Expenditure on tertiary education accounts for 1.5% of gross domestic product (GDP) on average across OECD countries or 30% of all education funding allocated to educational institutions.
    • On average across OECD countries, public funds account for 83% of total spending on educational institutions. Private sources are more important at the tertiary level, where they make up 31% of all expenditure compared to just 10% at the non-tertiary levels (primary, secondary and post-secondary non-tertiary).
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Finance and Funding | 
    
                            
    
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    • Teachers' actual salaries at pre-primary, primary and general secondary level are 4-14% lower than the earnings of tertiary-educated workers on average across OECD countries and other participants. School heads' actual salaries are substantially higher than those of teachers across primary and secondary education.
    • Teachers in public schools in OECD and partner countries are required to teach on average 987 hours per year at pre-primary level, 784 hours at primary level, 711 hours at lower secondary level (general programmes) and 684 hours at upper secondary level (general and vocational programmes).
    • Typically, the duration of initial teacher education programmes varies from 3 years to 6.5 years, for prospective lower secondary teachers of general subjects. A tertiary qualification is awarded upon completion of the programme in most countries, regardless of the level of education at which the teacher will teach.
    • Continuing professional development is compulsory to some extent for teachers of general subjects at least at one level of education in most countries with data, except Denmark, Italy, the Netherlands and New Zealand. It can be either generally compulsory for all teachers as a regular part of their work, or for some teachers for specific purposes such as promotion or salary increases, or in some cases, both.
    
                            
    
                            
    
                                | Education policies: Teachers | OECD Teaching and Learning International Survey (TALIS)  | 
    
                            
    
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            Diagram of funding flows - United Kingdom
            
    
            
    
        
    


        
		
    
            
    
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            Country Reviews for United Kingdom
            
    
            
    
			
    
        
    
		
              
              
              
              
              
              
              
        
    
            Note: These values should be interpreted with care since they are influenced
            by countries' specific contexts and trade-offs. In education, there is often no simple
            most- or least-efficient model. For instance, the share of private expenditure in
            education must be read against other measures designed to mitigate inequities, 
			such as loans and grants; longer learning time is an opportunity to convey
            more and better content to students, but may hinder investments in other important
            areas. If you want further information on the nature of different variables, please
            take the time to read the analysis and contextual information, available at the website
            for each publication.
    
            All rankings for individual variables are compiled on the basis of OECD and G20 countries for which data are available. 
            The OECD average includes only OECD countries which are listed here: http://www.oecd.org/about/membersandpartners/
            

    
	    *TALIS averages are based on all countries participating in the TALIS survey, including partner countries and economies. 
		This explains the difference between the OECD average and the TALIS averages.
		Data from the TALIS survey and Education at a Glance (EAG) may differ. See Annex E of the TALIS technical report and 
		Annex 3 
		of EAG 2021 for more details about the data collections.
            

    
			B-S-J-Z (China) refers to the four PISA-participating provinces/municipalities of the People's Republic of China:
Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang.
			

    
            For additional notes, please refer to annexes in the list of links below the introductory country profile text.