The 5 British Values for the Life in the UK Test

Search for “the 5 British values” and you will find two lists. The Life in the UK test uses the one in its handbook, which calls them the fundamental principles of British life. Schools in England teach a slightly different list, the fundamental British values. This guide gives you both in their official wording and shows exactly where they differ.

The five values the Life in the UK test uses

The handbook says British society is founded on fundamental values and principles which all those living in the UK should respect and support. The fundamental principles of British life are:

1. Democracy
2. The rule of law
3. Individual liberty
4. Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
5. Participation in community life

These values are based on history and traditions and are protected by law, customs and expectations. There is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance.

How the schools list differs

Since 2014, schools in England have had a duty to actively promote the fundamental British values of “democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs” (Department for Education). Teachers usually count mutual respect as a separate value, which gives five.

The first three values are identical in both lists. The difference is at the end:

• The schools list adds mutual respect.
• The handbook list has participation in community life instead.

For the Life in the UK test, learn the handbook list. Mutual respect is a good value, but it is not one of the five principles the test asks about.

What each principle means

Democracy. The handbook defines democracy as “a system of government where the whole adult population gets a say. This might be by direct voting or by choosing representatives to make decisions on their behalf.”

The rule of law. Every person in the UK receives equal treatment under the law: it applies in the same way to everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from. The idea is old. In 1215, Magna Carta established that even the king was subject to the law.

Individual liberty. You are free to live your own life, within the law. The rights and freedoms listed further down this page show what that freedom covers in practice.

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs. Everyone has the legal right to choose their religion, or to choose not to practise a religion. Tolerance means accepting that other people make different choices.

Participation in community life. Volunteering and helping your community are an important part of being a good citizen. Jury service, school governing bodies and local volunteering are all examples the handbook gives.

Responsibilities and freedoms

The handbook says responsibilities and freedoms flow from the fundamental principles and are shared by all those living in the UK. If you wish to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you should:

• respect and obey the law
• respect the rights of others, including their right to their own opinions
• treat others with fairness
• look after yourself and your family
• look after the area in which you live and the environment.

In return, the UK offers:

• freedom of belief and religion
• freedom of speech
• freedom from unfair discrimination
• a right to a fair trial
• a right to join in the election of a government.

The citizenship pledge

As part of the citizenship ceremony, new citizens pledge to uphold these values. They also make an oath of allegiance, or an affirmation if they prefer not to swear by God (GOV.UK). The pledge is:

I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.

How the test asks about them

Questions on this topic are short, but the wording is precise:

• Pick one or pick two. “Which TWO are fundamental principles of British life?” Both answers must come from the handbook list.
• Spot the odd one out. “Which is NOT a fundamental principle?” The wrong option is usually a system of rule, such as autocracy, dictatorship or monarchy. The monarchy is part of how the UK is governed, but it is not one of the five principles.
• True or false. Statements such as “Participation in community life is a fundamental principle of British life” are true. This is the principle people most often leave out.
• The pledge. You may be shown four lines and asked which one is not part of the pledge, so know its wording.