UK education System

The Foundation Stage is for children aged three to five, and covers the years they spend from the beginning of nursery or pre-school to the end of reception class in primary school. This is recognised as a distinct stage of learning, when children learn best through active play which builds on their individual needs and interests.

Where to go for Foundation Stage learning

All three and four year old children are now guaranteed a free, part time early education place (up to 12.5 hours per week) for up to two years before reaching compulsory school age (the term following their fifth birthday). This can be used in a range of settings including school reception classes, nurseries, playgroups, pre-schools and Children's Centres, and with accredited childminders in approved childminding networks.

The National Curriculum for 5 to 11 years Old

Your child will study a wide range of subjects during their time at primary school. Knowing about the National Curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2, and the subjects that are taught, can help you to support your child's learning.

National Curriculum Subjects

The National Curriculum, taught to all pupils in state or maintained schools, is made up of blocks of years, known as key stages:

  Year 1 and Year 2 of primary school are known as Key Stage 1

  Years 3 to 6 of primary school are known as Key Stage 2

Compulsory National Curriculum subjects are the same for Key Stages 1 and 2:

 The National Curriculum for 11 to 16  years Old

From the ages of 11 to 16 your child will move through Key Stages 3 and 4. In Year 9 they will do national tests and choose what to study at Key Stage 4. During Key Stage 4 most will work towards national qualifications – usually GCSEs.

Key Stage 3 and the National Curriculum

Children attending a state school from ages 11 to 14 (Years 7 to 9) follow Key Stage 3 of the National Curriculum.

The National Curriculum key stages

The National Curriculum is organised into blocks of years called 'key stages'. There are four key stages as well as a ‘Foundation Stage’. The ‘Foundation Stage’ covers education for children before they reach five (compulsory school age).