In this blog post, you’ll learn the differences in education-related vocabulary between American and British English. Understanding these variations will help you improve your English language learning and speaking skills, especially when discussing academic topics. By mastering these educational terms, you’ll enhance your conversation and communication abilities in both dialects. Let’s explore the differences in American and British English vocabulary for education.
American vs British English Vocabulary
| American Words | British Words |
| Principal | Headmaster |
| Sach, Bag Lunch | Packed Lunch |
| High School | College High School |
| Fall Semester | Autumn Term |
| Hot Lunch | School Dinner |
| Elementary School | Primary School |
| Full Professor | Professor |
| Math | Maths |
| Spring Semester | Spring Term |
| A grade, Point | A Mark |
| Pre-Kindergarten | Reception Year |
| Period | Full Stop |
| Gym Shoes | Plimsolls |
| Eraser | Rubber |
| Class | Module |
| Vacation | Holiday |
| Test | Exam |
| Open House | Open Day/Evening |
| Zee | Zed |
| Faculty | (Academic) Staff |
| Recess | Play, Break Time |
| Teacher’s Lounge | Staff Room |
| Senior Year | Sixth Form |
| Community College | Further Education College |
| Advanced Placement (AP) | A-Level |
| Transfer | Articulation |
| Homework | Coursework |
| Professor | Lecturer |
| Thesis | Dissertation |
| Associate’s Degree | HND (Higher National Diploma) |
| Freshman | Fresher |
| Commencement | Graduation Ceremony |
| Student Body President | Head Girl/Boy |
| Post-Secondary Education | Higher Education |
| Middle School | Junior School |
| Preschool | Nursery |
British and American English Words
| American Words | British Words |
| Ordinary Level | O-Level |
| Gym Clothes | P.E. Kit |
| Graduate | Postgraduate |
| Private School | Public School |
| Discussion Group | Seminar |
| Semester | Term |
| College Student | Undergraduate |
| College | University |
| Evaluation | Assessment |
| Residential School | Boarding School |
| Student Lounge | Common Room |
| Provost | Dean |
| Admission Test | Entrance Exam |
| Academic Advisor | Faculty Advisor |
| Principal | Headmistress |
| Private School | Independent School |
| Grade Level | Key Stage |
| Practice Test | Mock Exam |
| First-Year Teacher | NQT (Newly Qualified Teacher) |
| Vocational Degree | Ordinary National Diploma |
| Student Services | Pastoral Care |
| Postdoctoral Fellow | Postdoc |
| Student | Pupil |
| Required Reading | Reading List |
| High School | Secondary School |
| Office Hours | Tutorial |
| Chancellor | Vice-Chancellor |
| Internship | Work Experience |
| Class | Year Group |
| Socratic Method | Zeteticism |
| Continuing Education | Adult Education |
| Hybrid Learning | Blended Learning |
| Program | Course |
| Online Learning | Distance Learning |
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