The English education system is divided into key stages, each covering specific ages and year groups. Here's what happens at each stage, what assessments to expect, and practical tips for parents.
| Stage | Ages | Year Groups | Key Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Years (EYFS) | 0–5 | Nursery & Reception | EYFS Profile at end of Reception — 17 Early Learning Goals assessed by teachers |
| Key Stage 1 | 5–7 | Year 1 & Year 2 | Year 1 Phonics Screening Check (June) |
| Key Stage 2 | 7–11 | Year 3 to Year 6 | Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check |
| Key Stage 3 | 11–14 | Year 7 to Year 9 | Schools set their own assessments — no national tests |
| Key Stage 4 | 14–16 | Year 10 & Year 11 | GCSEs — graded 9–1 (9 highest) |
| Post-16 (Key Stage 5) | 16–18 | Year 12 & Year 13 | A-Level exams (graded A*–E) in May–June of Year 13 |
Learning through play across 7 areas — 3 prime areas (communication, physical, personal/social/emotional) and 4 specific areas (literacy, maths, understanding the world, expressive arts).
Assessment
EYFS Profile at end of Reception — 17 Early Learning Goals assessed by teachers.
Parent Tips
Formal teaching of reading (phonics), writing, and maths begins. Foundation subjects include science, history, geography, art, music, computing, PE, and design & technology.
Assessment
Year 1 Phonics Screening Check (June). KS1 Teacher Assessments in Year 2 (reading, writing, maths, science).
Parent Tips
Deeper study across all subjects. A foreign language is introduced from Year 3. English, maths, and science become more complex, covering fractions, grammar, forces, electricity, and history from Stone Age to 1066.
Assessment
Year 4 Multiplication Tables Check. KS2 SATs in Year 6 (English reading, grammar/spelling, maths). Science by teacher assessment.
Parent Tips
The broadest curriculum — pupils study all core subjects plus up to 9 foundation subjects. English includes Shakespeare, science splits into biology/chemistry/physics, and citizenship becomes compulsory.
Assessment
Schools set their own assessments — no national tests. Year 9 is when students choose their GCSE options.
Parent Tips
GCSE courses. English, Maths, and Science are compulsory. Students typically study 8–10 subjects total, choosing from option blocks. The EBacc (English, Maths, Science, a language, and a humanities subject) is encouraged.
Assessment
GCSEs — graded 9–1 (9 highest). Taken in May–June of Year 11. Most subjects are exam-only, with some practical components.
Parent Tips
Students choose from A-Levels (typically 3 subjects), BTECs (vocational), T-Levels (technical with industry placement), or Apprenticeships (learn while earning). The IB Diploma is offered by ~180 schools.
Assessment
A-Level exams (graded A*–E) in May–June of Year 13. University applications via UCAS, usually with predicted grades.
Parent Tips
Try the Age Finder
Select your child's age to see their exact stage, subjects, and upcoming assessments.