There is a National Curriculum, which sets out a clear, full and statutory entitlement to learning for all pupils. It determines the content of what is taught and sets attainment targets for learning. It also covers how performance will be assessed and reported. Year groups are divided into Key Stages at the end of which there are certain standards that must be achieved.
National Curriculum of The UK
| Classification |
Age Range |
School Year Group |
| Early years |
3-4 |
Nursery |
| 4-5 |
Reception |
| Key Stage 1 |
5-6 |
Year 1 |
| 6-7 |
Year 2 |
| Key Stage 2 |
7-8 |
Year 3 |
| 8-9 |
Year 4 |
| 9-10 |
Year 5 |
| 10-11 |
Year 6 |
| Key Stage 3 |
11-12 |
Year 7 |
| 12-13 |
Year 8 |
| 13-14 |
Year 9 |
| Key Stage 4 |
14-15 |
Year 10 |
| 15-16 |
Year 11 |
| AS Level |
16-17 |
Year 12 |
| 17-18 |
Year 13 |
At the end of Key Stages 1, 2, 3 students complete SAT's, (Standard Attainment Tests). At age 16 GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) examinations are held and at 18, AS Level exams are undertaken after which students may gain entrance to university.
From age 5-11, children attend primary schools. Primary school teachers generally teach all the subjects in a school day to an allocated class. The government has launched a literacy and numeracy programme to raise the standards of learning for all pupils. There is normally two hours a day allocated to this and detailed planning is required. If you intend to teach at this level you will need to familiarise yourself with these strategies. Please see www.dfes.gov.uk for more details
At 11, pupils transfer to secondary schools. Most stay here until 16 and then move to sixth form colleges to complete their A levels but some secondary schools also provide this facility.