We understand that as parents you may often come across many unfamiliar – and perhaps confusing – terms when considering schools, and then throughout your child’s education. We have put together a glossary of key terms you might come across, sharing insights on everything from the different ages of Year Groups and Key Stages, to the different types of school education available in the UK.
School Stages and Ages
What ages do children start school in the UK?
In the UK, children must legally attend school from the age of five until they are 16. Most children start in education before they are five years old, attending Nursery and then Reception, which is the first year of primary school. In England, the law requires that young people continue in education, employment or training from the age of 16 until the age of 18, whether in full-time, formal education, work-based learning (for example through an apprenticeship or traineeship) or in part-time education or accredited training (spending at least 20 hours a week working or volunteering after the age of 16).
Find out more about what age children start school.
What are the different school Year Groups?
The school system is in general made-up of four distinct stages:
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) including Pre-School, Nursery and Reception classes
- Junior School/ Primary School which may also be known as Pre-Prep or Prep School
- Senior School which may also be known as Secondary School or High School
- Sixth Form or Sixth Form College.
Often, Pre-School, Nursery and Reception are integrated into a Junior School or Pre-Prep School. Pre-Prep schools are independent schools (also referred to as Private Schools) for children before they begin a Prep School, in Years 3 or 4 (age 7 and 8). Often Pre-Prep and Prep schools are integrated into schools that are “all through” – as are most GDST schools – running right from Nursery until Sixth Form, or dedicated to a specific school stage – for example, Senior School only.
Find out more about the school year groups and key stages in the UK.
What is the national curriculum? What are the different Key Stages in education?
Key Stages refer to the different learning and assessment stages which make up the UK National Curriculum. The National Curriculum covers the subjects and content that children and students learn, for consistency of approach. The educational Key Stages are as follows:
Early Years Foundation Stage: 3 – 5 years
- Key Stage 1: 5 – 7 years
- Key Stage 2: 7 – 11 years
- Key Stage 3: 11 – 14 years
- Key Stage 4: 14 – 16 years
- Key Stage 5: 16-18 years
The table below outlines the different year groups, ages of these year groups and the corresponding Key Stage in education.
| Year Group | Ages | Key Stage |
|---|---|---|
| NURSERY | 3 - 4 years | Early Years Foundation Stage |
| RECEPTION | 4 -5 years | Early Years Foundation Stage |
| JUNIOR | ||
| Year 1 | 5 - 6 years | Key Stage 1 |
| Year 2 | 6 - 7 years | Key Stage 1 |
| Year 3 | 7 - 8 years | Key Stage 2 |
| Year 4 | 8 - 9 years | Key Stage 2 |
| Year 5 | 9 - 10 years | Key Stage 2 |
| Year 6 | 10 - 11 years | Key Stage 2 |
| SENIOR SCHOOL | ||
| Year 7 | 11 - 12 years | Key Stage 3 |
| Year 8 | 12 - 13 years | Key Stage 3 |
| Year 9 | 13 - 14 years | Key Stage 3 |
| Year 10 | 14 - 15 years | Key Stage 4 GCSE study years - exams taken at the end of Year 11 |
| Year 11 | 15 - 16 years | Key Stage 4 GCSE study years - exams taken at the end of Year 11 |
| SIXTH FORM | ||
| Year 12 (also Lower VI) | 16 - 17 years | A Level study years - exams taken at the end of Year 13 |
| Year 13 (also Upper VI) | 17 - 18 years | A Level study years - exams taken at the end of Year 13 |
Examinations – GCSEs and A-Levels
Students in England, Wales and Northern Ireland study for their GCSE and A-level qualifications at age 16 and age 18 respectively.
What are SATS?
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) measure children’s educational achievement in Years 2 and 6, with the ultimate aim of measuring children’s educational attainment and progress. SATs are government-set national assessments which are compulsory in maintained schools but optional in the independent sector.
What is wraparound care?
Wraparound care is childcare support provided by schools to parents outside of school classroom hours, for example before and after school. This may include Breakfast Club or After School Club in a Junior or Primary School, or Summer Camps for students of different ages during the summer holidays. Find out more about wraparound care for children.
