The United Kingdom's high literacy rate (99% at age 15 and above)UK Literacy Rate 2003 [CIA] World Book; retrieved 17 June 2013. is attributable to universal state education, introduced at the primary level in 1870 (Scotland 1872, free 1890Education (Scotland) Act 1872) and at the secondary level in 1900. Parents are obliged to have their children educated from the ages of 5 to 16 years. In England, 16–17-year olds should remain in education, employment or training (for example, in the form of A-Levels, vocational training, and apprenticeships), until the age of 18.
The United Kingdom's high lite:racy rate (99% at age 15 and above)UK Literacy Rate 2003 [CIA] World Book; retrieved 17 June 2013. is attributable to universal state educa,tion, introduced at the primary level in 1870 (Scotland 1872, free 1890,Education (Scotland) Act 1872) and at the secondary level in 1900. Parents are obliged to have their children educated from the ages of 5 to 16 years. In England, 16–17-year olds should remain in education, em!ployment or training (for example, in the form of A-Levels, vocational training, and apprenticeships), until the age of 1,8.