Schools
There are a wide variety of primary and secondary schools in Preston. To find out information about any of the schools in Preston you can search via the Direct Gov schools finder or the EduBase Public portal.
The Lancashire schools website lists all education institutions (including colleges) across Lancashire.
Performance of schools
Schools performances are now monitored by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED)
The PANDA (Performance AND Assessment) report puts data about a school into a series of tables and charts so that schools can see how effective they are compared with other schools. The PANDA presents comparisons with all schools in England, and also with similar schools.
The information helps schools to look at their strengths and weaknesses, and is designed to help them develop plans to raise standards. It uses data from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) alongside information from inspections and is sent to headteachers every autumn. It is also sent to OFSTED inspectors before they visit a school.
For more information regarding School Attainments and Performance, please visit the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) website.
National Curriculum
The education reform act states that all state students should be taught the National Curriculum.
The National Curriculum applies to pupils of compulsory school age in community and foundation schools, including community special schools and foundation special schools, and voluntary aided and voluntary controlled schools. It is organised on the basis of four key stages.
The National Curriculum website provides information on the four key stages and statutory subjects to be undertaken by school pupils.
Colleges
Colleges are for children aged 16-18 to take subjects in BTEC or A-level according to their GCSE options and results. There are several colleges around Preston:
Once The pupil has completed college they can choose if they want to be educated further. If they choose to be educated they can gain an apprenticeship or go to university.
Adult education
Many colleges also offer adults a chance to learn new skills.
Skills for life
If you want to improve your reading, writing, numeracy or information and communication technology skills, or want to show the skills you already have, a Skills for Life qualification could be for you.
Adult learning grant (ALG)
It’s never too late to learn new skills - and with an ALG, you could get up to £30 a week to help with your learning costs. To find out more see the Direct Gov Adult learning grant website.
Higher education
As well as taking degree and foundation courses at college, Preston is home to the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
UCLan is one of Britains largest universities recently voted as one of the UKs top three modern universities.
UCAS is the organisation responsible for managing applications to higher education courses in the UK. They help students find the right course and help universities and higher education institutions process applications easily. If you are thinking of going to university you should get in touch with UCAS.