Overview

The ‘basic’ school curriculum includes the ‘national curriculum’, as well as relationships, sex and health education, and religious education.

The national curriculum is a set of subjects and standards used by primary and secondary schools so children learn the same things. It covers what subjects are taught and the standards children should reach in each subject.

Other types of school like academies and private schools do not have to follow the national curriculum. Academies must teach a broad and balanced curriculum including English, maths and science. They must also teach relationships and sex education, and religious education.

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.

Child’s age Year Key stage Assessment
3 to 4   Early years  
4 to 5 Reception Early years Assessment of pupils’ starting points in language, communication, literacy and maths and teacher assessments
5 to 6 Year 1 KS1 Phonics screening check
6 to 7 Year 2 KS1 National tests in English reading and maths. Teacher assessments in maths, science, and English reading and writing
7 to 8 Year 3 KS2  
8 to 9 Year 4 KS2 Multiplication tables check
9 to 10 Year 5 KS2  
10 to 11 Year 6 KS2 National tests in English reading, maths, and grammar, punctuation and spelling. Teacher assessments in English writing and science
11 to 12 Year 7 KS3  
12 to 13 Year 8 KS3  
13 to 14 Year 9 KS3  
14 to 15 Year 10 KS4 Some children take GCSEs
15 to 16 Year 11 KS4 Most children take GCSEs or other national

Assessments

By the end of each summer term the school must write a report on your child’s progress and talk it through with you.