Key Stage

Also called KS1, KS2, KS3, KS4, Key stages

The blocks the national curriculum is divided into, and the shorthand every school uses for a child's age.

What it is

The national curriculum in England is organised into key stages. The Early Years Foundation Stage covers birth to the end of Reception. Key Stage 1 is years 1 and 2, Key Stage 2 years 3 to 6, Key Stage 3 years 7 to 9, and Key Stage 4 years 10 and 11.

Post-16 study is sometimes called Key Stage 5, which is a convention rather than a statutory stage.

Where it applies

Maintained schools must follow the national curriculum. Academies and free schools do not have to, though they must teach a broad and balanced curriculum and most follow it closely.

How it works

Each key stage has expected standards, and assessment points sit at the end of most of them — the phonics screening check in year 1, SATs at the end of Key Stage 2, GCSEs at the end of Key Stage 4.

What you can ask for

Ask what "working at the expected standard" means for your child's year rather than what their level is. Levels were abolished in 2014 and schools use varied language now.

Ask how the curriculum is adapted for your child if they are working well below their year group. "Working below" is a description, not a plan.

Where to get help

GOV.UK publishes the national curriculum in full, by subject and key stage.