The history and culture of Great Britain and the United States are similar in many ways, but not in the field of education. The school systems of these two countries are, in fact, quite different. In England, children begin school at the age of five and study the basics for about eight years. Then, if they decide to continue they select certain subjects and study for standard, nation-wide examinations. Stu- dents who want to enter a university must study two more years and pass the advanced level exams.