The National Curriculum is used by primary and secondary schools. It is the agenda for teaching and learning in schools, and sets out the subjects and standards that children should achieve at each Key Stage (see below). It ensures that children nationwide learn the same things. The National Curriculum does not apply to Independent Schools, Academies or Free Schools which are free to set their own, although many Academies and Free Schools do choose to follow the National Curriculum.
The National Curriculum is organised in to blocks of years called Key Stages (see below). At the end of each Key Stage, performance for each child is formally assessed.
| Age | Year | Key Stage |
|---|---|---|
| 3 to 4 | Nursery | Early years |
| 4 to 5 | Reception | Early years |
| 5 to 6 | Year 1 | KS1 |
| 6 to 7 | Year 2 | KS1 |
| 7 to 8 | Year 3 | KS2 |
| 8 to 9 | Year 4 | KS2 |
| 9 to 10 | Year 5 | KS2 |
| 10 to 11 | Year 6 | KS2 |
| 11 to 12 | Year 7 | KS3 |
| 12 to 13 | Year 8 | KS3 |
| 13 to 14 | Year 9 | KS3 |
| 14 to 15 | Year 10 | KS4 |
| 15 to 16 | Year 11 | KS4 |
Useful links
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-curriculum