Nahh. We have qualifacations we do at secondary school here. GCSE's, then A-levels, which you'd do in between the ages of 16 and 18. Then it's Uni.
As for the girl, you can only ask. Sure it could make potential future encounters embarrasing, but there's a lot to gain. I'm just starting to realise this now, unfortunately.
Anyway, have a great Christmas mate. Hope you get loads of great stuff. I have this huge box, and I have no idea what it is. It's so exciting