| KS1 age range | Ages 5–7 (Years 1–2) (UK Department for Education) |
| KS2 age range | Ages 7–11 (Years 3–6) (UK Department for Education) |
| KS3 age range | Ages 11–14 (Years 7–9) (UK Department for Education) |
| KS4 age range | Ages 14–16 (Years 10–11) (UK Department for Education) |
| GCSE grading scale | 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest) (Ofqual) |
| National tests at KS3 | None — internal school assessment only (UK Department for Education) |
What Is the National Curriculum?
The National Curriculum sets out the subjects and content that maintained schools in England must teach pupils aged 5 to 16. It is organised into four Key Stages (KS1–KS4), each aligned to a specific age band and set of expected learning outcomes. Academies and free schools are not legally required to follow the National Curriculum, though many choose to broadly align with it.
The curriculum defines what should be taught — not in fine detail, but in broad programmes of study — leaving individual schools to decide how to teach it. Understanding the structure helps parents have more informed conversations with teachers and better recognise where their child sits in the system.
| KS1 age range | Ages 5–7 (Years 1–2) (UK Department for Education) |
| KS2 age range | Ages 7–11 (Years 3–6) (UK Department for Education) |
| KS3 age range | Ages 11–14 (Years 7–9) (UK Department for Education) |
| KS4 age range | Ages 14–16 (Years 10–11) (UK Department for Education) |
| GCSE grading scale | 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest) (Ofqual) |
| National tests at KS3 | None — internal school assessment only (UK Department for Education) |
Key Stage 1 (Ages 5–7, Years 1–2)
KS1 covers the first two years of primary school. The core subjects are English, mathematics, and science. Foundation subjects include art and design, computing, design and technology, geography, history, music, and physical education (PE). Religious education is also required, though its content is set locally rather than nationally.
At the end of Year 1, children sit the Phonics Screening Check — a short assessment measuring ability to decode words using phonics. End-of-KS1 teacher assessments in reading, writing, and maths were previously statutory but have been reformed; from 2023 onward, schools use teacher assessment without formal national tests at this stage. For a fuller explanation of early assessments, see our plain-English guide to primary school assessments.
Key Stage 2 (Ages 7–11, Years 3–6)
KS2 completes primary education. Core and foundation subjects remain broadly the same as KS1, with content becoming progressively more demanding. From Year 3 onward, schools must also provide foreign language teaching (a modern or ancient language).
The most significant assessments at this stage are the KS2 SATs (Standard Assessment Tests), taken in Year 6. They cover reading, grammar, punctuation and spelling, and mathematics. Results are reported as scaled scores (100 represents the expected standard) and inform secondary school placements and national performance data. Teacher assessment also covers writing and science. If you are weighing up schools before this point, our open day question checklist can help you focus on what matters.
SATs Results Are for Schools, Too
KS2 SATs results serve two purposes: they inform secondary schools about incoming pupils, and they feed into national school performance tables. Parents receive their child's individual results, but the scores are not the sole basis for secondary school admission in most areas — that is handled separately through local authority processes.
Key Stage 3 (Ages 11–14, Years 7–9)
KS3 marks the start of secondary school and is often where the curriculum broadens most noticeably. Core subjects continue, and schools must teach a wider range of foundation subjects including citizenship, computing, design and technology, languages, music, art, PE, and history and geography. Sex and relationship education (RSE) is also statutory at secondary level.
There are no national tests at the end of KS3. Schools assess pupils internally, using their own grading systems. Many schools retain Year 9 as a transition year into GCSE pathways. The move from primary to secondary is a significant adjustment — our article on what to expect during the primary-to-secondary transition covers what research says about supporting children through it.
Key Stage 4 (Ages 14–16, Years 10–11)
KS4 leads to the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) examinations, taken at the end of Year 11. English language, English literature, mathematics, and science (typically double or triple award) are required for most pupils. Schools must also offer subjects from the humanities, arts, and computing or design technology areas, though pupils' individual choices vary.
GCSE grades run from 9 (highest) to 1 (lowest), replacing the older A*–G scale. A grade 4 is broadly equivalent to the old grade C and is often treated as a standard pass; a grade 5 is considered a strong pass. Results directly affect post-16 options, including sixth form entry requirements and vocational pathways. Parents of children with additional needs should note that support arrangements — including access arrangements in exams — are managed through the school's SEND team; our explainer on how SEND support works in schools outlines the process.
Key Stage
A defined phase of compulsory schooling in England, grouping year groups by age. Each Key Stage has its own programmes of study and assessment expectations.
Programme of Study
The statutory document describing what must be taught within each subject at each Key Stage. Schools have flexibility in how they deliver this content.
Scaled Score
A numerical score used in KS2 SATs to compare pupil performance against the national standard. A score of 100 represents the expected standard.
GCSE
General Certificate of Secondary Education. The qualification taken by most pupils in England at the end of Year 11, graded on a 9–1 scale.
Phonics Screening Check
A short statutory assessment taken by Year 1 pupils to measure their ability to use phonics (letter-sound relationships) to read unfamiliar words.
Teacher Assessment
A teacher's professional judgement of a pupil's attainment, based on ongoing observation and work rather than a single test. Used alongside or instead of national tests at some Key Stages.