3. EDUCATION

3.2. Education at different ages

This section explains the levels of education at different ages in the UK. 


Primary School: 5-11 Years                         


You will need to apply for a place at a school for your child.

You do this in the year before they will start. 


Online:     Primary School Admissions


Each child will work towards the National Standards, known as Key Stages with a test at the end of each Stage:


  •  Key Stage 1 is for Years 1 and 2 (approximately 5-7 years).


  •  Key Stage 2 is for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (approximately 7-11 year).


Date of Birth

Start or Transfer

Apply

01/09/2015 - 31/08/2016

Start Reception 

September 2020


1 Sep 2019 – 15 Jan 2020

01/09/2016 - 31/08/2017

Start Reception 

September 2021

1 Sep 2020 – 15 Jan 2021



Secondary School: 11-16 Years


You will need to apply for a place at a school for your child.


Your primary school will let you know when to do this and send home more information on when to do this.


Online:      Secondary School Admissions


Each child will work towards the National Standards, known as Key Stages with tests at the end of each Stage:


  • Key Stage 3 is for Years 7, 8 and 9 (approximately 11-14 years).


  • Key Stage 4 is for Years 10 and 11 (approximately 14-16 years) and leads to GCSE examinations.



Education and Training after 16


When they reach 16, children can choose to leave school, or continue to study.


 After 16, the options are:


  • Stay in full-time education, for example at a college.


  • Start an apprenticeship or traineeship.


  • Spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training.