What are the Key Stages in Pupils' Progress?

Primary and secondary school progress is separated into five key stages (and early years).

The boundaries between the key stages can seem a little blurred. Their job is to set out the expected knowledge that secondary and primary school pupils should have at the end of some stage. This also includes when the assessments will be taken.

First introduced in 1988, the curriculum is set out in these key stage blocks. Below is a brief outline of each stage in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Age	4 to 5	5 to 7	7 to 11	11 to 14	14 to 16
Year	Reception	Year 1 and Year 2	Year 3 to 6	Year 7 to Year 9	Year 10 and 11
Key Stage	Early Years	KS1	KS2	KS3	KS4
Assessment	Early Years teacher assessments	Year 1 Phonics screening check	Year 2 National tests and teacher assessments in English, maths and science	Year 6 National tests and teacher assessments in English and maths and science	Year 11 most children take their GCSE or other national assessments

If a pupil is staying at sixth form (two years of education for pupils aged 16-18), usually to study A-Levels, then this stage is labelled key stage 5.

A knowledgeable maths tutor or physics tutor can certainly use their knowledge of the key stages for the benefit of the learner. Sometimes the direction a tutor will take is guided by the assessments or tests your child will undertake as they progress through secondary or primary school. We also remember an understanding of the concepts or building confidence is just as important.

At Shires Tutors, we are always happy to help with any questions. We believe our primary and secondary school tutors have the knowledge to help guide parents and pupils through the maze of assessments and key stages.

1. The Gov.uk website sets out the key stages in more detail.

2. Visit the WH Smith blog that sets out the key stages in a clear fashion.

The Shires Tutors Team

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