Curriculum

The National Curriculum sets out the various stages and subjects children will learn during their time at school. All maintained (state) schools must follow the National Curriculum.

The National Curriculum itself is made up of 4 Key Stages, plus the Foundation Stage (education before reaching age 5).

Ages and stages

Early Years Foundation Stage

Ages 3 - 5

Key Stage 1

Ages 5-6 (Year 1)
Ages 6-7 (Year 2) + Teacher Assessments

Key Stage 2

Ages 7-8 (Year 3)
Ages 8-9 (Year 4)
Ages 9-10 (Year 5)
Ages 10-11 (Year 6) + National Tests

Key Stage 3

Ages 11-12 (Year 7)
Ages 12-13 (Year 8)
Ages 13-14 (Year 9) + National Tests

Key Stage 4

Ages 14-15 (Year 10)
Ages 15-16 (Year 11) + GCSEs

End of Key Stages

Each child's progress is continually monitored throughout their educational history, however, formal monitoring takes place at the end of each Key Stage.

At the end of Key Stage 1, a child's progress is based on their teacher's assessment based on their performance throughout years 1 and 2. Some schools may run testing to assist with the assessment.

At the end of Key Stage 2 and 3, progress is based on teacher assessments and the outcomes of national testing. Testing at Key Stage 2 and 3 will also help to compare progress against targets.

Progress at the end of Key Stage 4 is based on the outcomes of GCSE examinations where pupils will sit examinations in a combination of compulsory and optional subjects.

Compulsory education ends at age 16.

Subject Areas

At Key Stages 1 and 2 the statutory subjects that all pupils must study are art and design, design and technology, English, geography, history, information and communication technology, mathematics, music, physical education and science. Religious education must also be provided at key stages 1 and 2.

At Key Stage 3 the statutory subjects that all pupils must study are art and design, citizenship, design and technology, English, geography, history, information and communication technology, mathematics, modern foreign languages, music, physical education and science. The teaching of careers education, sex education and religious education is also statutory.

At Key Stage 4 the statutory subjects that all pupils must study are citizenship, English, information and communication technology, mathematics, physical education and science. The teaching of careers education, sex education, work-related learning and religious education is also statutory.