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What are the Key Stages?

While the National Curriculum sets standards for schools it also allows flexibility in how those standards are met. To help with these standards, "key stages" were introduced whereby these standards could be assessed and a child's progress monitored. The term "key stage" is frequently used by educationalists and Politicians, so here is exactly what each Key Stage entails.

Remember in Central Bedfordshire we run a three tier system, as opposed to the two tier system used in other areas. This means that children in this region move from Lower to Middle School in the middle of Key Stage 2, and from Middle to Upper School in the middle of Key Stage 3.

Early Years Foundation Stage

This is the start of most children's journey through the school system. Children aged 3-4 and 4-5 year olds are placed in the Early Years Foundation Stage and begin Reception class aged 4-5.

Key Stage 1 (Lower School)

Key Stage 1 is designed for Year 1, 5-6 year olds and Year 2, 6-7 year olds. In Year 2, children are assessed by their teacher in English, Maths and Science.

Key Stage 2 (Lower to Middle School)

Children begin Key Stage 2 at the age of 7-8, when they enter Year 3. Key Stage 2 continues until children finish Year 6, aged 10-11. In Year 6, children are assessed in English, Maths and Science by both their teacher and national tests.

Key Stage 3 (Middle to Upper School)

Key Stage 3 covers Year 7, children aged 11-12, through to Year 9, children aged 13-14. Children are assessed by their teacher in English, Maths, Science and other foundation subjects throughout Key Stage 3.

Key Stage 4 (Upper School)

Key Stage 4 covers Year 10 and 11 pupils, aged 14-15 and 15-16. The majority of children take GCSEs or national qualifications in Year 11, but some are entered into assessments early in Year 10. Key Stages stop as a young person enters higher education.