How does the school system work in England?
Evulpo is a global learning platform that supports students from all over Europe and is tailored to each countries’ school system. But how does the school system work in England? This article will give you all the information you need to know!
Key Stage 2 is broken down into the following years.
At this point in their education, children are learning basic literacy and numeracy skills as well as being introduced to the basic principles of science. In England, children are assessed at the end of Key Stage 1 and 2 through exams called ‘standardised assessment tests’ (SATS). These exams are designed to assess the child’s educational development as well as being a marker for the quality of the school.
Key Stage 4 is broken down into the following years.
During Key Stage 3, students will study English, Maths, Science, a humanities subject and a modern language. Schools will also offer additional subjects such as Drama, Music, Art, Textiles, Design Technology and more. At the end of Key Stage 3, students will select their GCSE options.
At the end of Key Stage 4, students will sit the compulsory GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams. Typically, students will take 9-12 subjects. The core subjects are compulsory and these include English Language, English Literature, Sciences, Maths and Religious Studies. The students will then select a few options based on their own preferences and strengths.
The English school system may sound daunting but evulpo is here to support students with their learning from Key Stage 2 all the way through to Key Stage 5.
Key Stages
The school system in England is divided into five ‘Key Stages’.- Key Stage 1: children aged between 5 and 7 years old
- Key Stage 2: children aged between 7 and 11 years old
- Key Stage 3: adolescents aged between 11 and 14 years old
- Key Stage 4: adolescents aged between 14 and 16 years old
- Key Stage 5: adolescents aged between 16 and 18 years old
Primary school
Key Stages 1 and 2 form primary school. Key Stage 1 is broken down into the following years.- Reception: Ages 4-5
- Year 1: Ages 5-6
- Year 2: Ages 6-7
Key Stage 2 is broken down into the following years.
- Year 3: Ages 7-8
- Year 4: Ages 8-9
- Year 5: Ages 9-10
- Year 5: Ages 10-11
At this point in their education, children are learning basic literacy and numeracy skills as well as being introduced to the basic principles of science. In England, children are assessed at the end of Key Stage 1 and 2 through exams called ‘standardised assessment tests’ (SATS). These exams are designed to assess the child’s educational development as well as being a marker for the quality of the school.
Secondary school
Key Stages 3 and 4 form Secondary school. Key Stage 3 is broken down into the following years.- Year 7: Ages 11-12
- Year 8: Ages 12-13
- Year 9: Ages 13-14
Key Stage 4 is broken down into the following years.
- Year 10: Ages 14-15
- Year 11: Ages 15-16
During Key Stage 3, students will study English, Maths, Science, a humanities subject and a modern language. Schools will also offer additional subjects such as Drama, Music, Art, Textiles, Design Technology and more. At the end of Key Stage 3, students will select their GCSE options.
At the end of Key Stage 4, students will sit the compulsory GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) exams. Typically, students will take 9-12 subjects. The core subjects are compulsory and these include English Language, English Literature, Sciences, Maths and Religious Studies. The students will then select a few options based on their own preferences and strengths.
Further Education
Following GCSEs, students will progress to further education. There are more options with further education.- A-levels: The student can opt for A-levels (Advanced levels) where they select 3 or 4 subjects, usually relevant to their higher education or career pursuits. After two years, they will sit external exams that are recognised by universities in the UK and around the globe.
- International Baccalaureate (IB): Some schools, usually independent schools, will offer the IB Diploma Programme. This allows students to study a wider range of subjects that are also examined and recognised by universities in the UK and around the globe.
- BTECs: BTECs (Business and Technology Education Council) are vocational courses that are more work-related. They help students to develop particular skills related to their chosen career. Unlike A-levels, BTECs are not assessed by a final examination, instead they are assessed with assignments throughout the course.
- T-levels: A newer type of qualification that students can take is the T-levels (Technical levels). Introduced in 2020, these offer a more practical approach to learning. You can learn more about T-levels here.
The English school system may sound daunting but evulpo is here to support students with their learning from Key Stage 2 all the way through to Key Stage 5.