Primary school Primary schools are similar to our elementary schools but start a year earlier and are mandatory from age 5 through 11. Students study for two years starting at age 14 before taking the subject-based Standard Grade exams. Most take exams in seven or eight subjects. Those exams, usually taken at the age of 17, are necessary for admission to universities. Students typically attempt four or more Highers.
Universities usually require three or more Higher passes for entrance.
The current Certificate of Sixth Year Studies is being replaced with new Advanced Higher Grades. Or they can choose what is known as a modular curriculum in vocational subjects. The colleges are regarded as ideal for students as young as 16 who want to concentrate on more specialized qualifications with specific jobs in mind and still take courses leading toward higher-education degrees, if they choose. Many students take a combination of both academic and vocational subjects. There is a common curriculum designed for each year from the first year of primary schoo through the second year of secondary school.