Key stages
The national curriculum is organised into blocks of years called ‘key stages’ (KS). At the end of each key stage, the teacher will formally assess your child’s performance.
Early years foundation stage covers the Nursery and Reception classes
Find out moreThe national curriculum is organised into blocks of years called ‘key stages’ (KS). At the end of each key stage, the teacher will formally assess your child’s performance.
Age |
Year |
Key Stage |
Assessment |
3 to 4 |
Nursery |
Early Years |
|
4 to 5 |
Reception |
Early Years |
Teacher assessments |
Age |
Year |
Key Stage |
Assessment |
5 to 6 |
Year 1 |
KS1 |
Phonics screening test |
6 to 7 |
Year 2 |
KS1 |
National test and teacher assessments in English, Maths & Science |
Age |
Year |
Key Stage |
Assessment |
7 to 8 |
Year 3 |
KS2 |
|
8 to 9 |
Year 4 |
KS2 |
|
Age |
Year |
Key Stage |
Assessment |
9 to 10 |
Year 5 |
KS2 |
|
10 to 11 |
Year 6 |
KS2 |
National tests and teacher assessments in English & Maths and teacher assessments in Science |
Compulsory national curriculum subjects at primary school are:
Schools must provide religious education but parents can ask for their children to be taken out of the whole lesson or part of it.
Schools often also teach:
The check will take place in June when your child will read 40 words out loud to a teacher. You’ll find out how your child did, and their teacher will assess whether he or she needs extra help with reading. If your child doesn’t do well enough in the check they’ll have to do it again in Year 2.
Key stage 1 tests cover:
Your child will take the tests in May. You can ask the school for the test results.
You’ll be sent the results of your child’s teacher assessments automatically.
Your child will take national tests in May when they reach the end of key stage 2. These test your child’s skills in:
The tests last less than 4 hours. You’ll get the results in July.
The school will send you the results of your child’s tests and teacher assessments.