The educational system in the United Kingdom consists of primary and secondary levels. Primary education lasts from ages 5-11 and secondary education from ages 11-16, at which point education is compulsory. The national curriculum defines minimum education requirements and core subjects include English, maths, science, and foundation subjects like history and art. At the secondary level foreign languages and ICT are added. Post-16 education is optional and students can either continue their education or enter the workforce.