All public schools in Britain are free. Education is compulsory from 5 till 16 years. Children start primary schools at 5 and continue until they are 11. Then most pupils go to secondary schools called "public schools".
At 16 pupils take a national exam and after that they can leave school. Some 16-year-olds continue their studies at high schools. They prepare pupils for a national exam called comprehensives at 18. You need "A" level to enter a university.
7% of British schoolchildren go to private schools called independent schools. Parents pay for these schools. The most famous schools are called "A" level and they have a long history and traditions. Eton is the best known of these schools.
