The National Curriculum is divided into four key stages: KS1 - pupils aged 5-7 KS2 - pupils aged 7-11 KS3 - pupils aged 11-14 KS4 - pupils aged 14-16
Introduced through the Education Reform Act 1988. Learning in maintained and special schools is divided into four periods of learning: key stage 1 covers pupils aged 5 to 7, key stage 2 covers pupils aged 7 to 11, key stage 3 covers pupils aged 11 to 14, key stage 1 covers pupils aged 14 to 16
Age groups within the National Curriculum.
A pupil’s progress through school is described in "key stages". Key Stage 1 (KS1) ends at age 7, KS2 ends at 11 years, KS 3 at 14 years and KS4 at 16 years. At the end of each stage there are Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) that measure achievement (GCSEs at end KS4).
The 4 stages of pupils' progress in acquiring knowledge and skills as set out in the National Curriculum. Pupils are tested at the end of each stage. Key Stage 1 covers pupils between ages of 4 and 7, Key Stage 2 ages 7 to 11, Key Stage 3 ages 11 to 14 and Key Stage 4 ages 14 to 16.
The four stages of National Curriculum: KSI for pupils aged 5-7; KS2 for 7-11; KS3 for 11-14; KS4 for 14-16 LCCIEB: London Chamber of Commerce and Industry Examinations Board
The four stages of the National Curriculum
The National Curriculum uses 'Key Stages' as a framework to explain when things should be taught to children and when they should be assessed. Key Stage 1 is 5-7 years, Key Stage 2 is 7-11 years, Key Stage 3 is 11-14 and Key Stage 4 is 14-16. There is also a foundation stage for children aged 3-5 that covers nursery education and part-time schooling. Find out more from the DfES parents' gateway .
