What is the equivalency of a high school diploma to England's schooling?

Question

By having a high school diploma, what does that equal out to in England's school system?

Answer 1

Traditionally, it was 7-9 GCSE exams taken at age 16 (each exam in a different subject, such as maths, history, or biology), then 3 'A' level exams taken at age 18, usually your 3 best subjects from those exams taken at GCSE level. I think they are changing things though.

Answer 2

In theory it is GCSE levels and A-Levels in theory are suppose to equivalent to AP course in that subject or two years of university. From what I have seen personally seen of the English schools system which includes the lack of knowledge English students have when it comes to math and grammar my personal opinion is a High School Diploma is equivalent an A-Levels in English, Math, Literature, Science, and Social Science. Furthermore it is my personal belief AP courses with an AP test score of a 4 or 5 is equivalent to its university equivalent in England.