Education in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

Children and young people in state schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have to follow the National Curriculum for that country. The National Curriculum is divided into Key Stages. The Foundation Stage and Key Stages 1 and 2 are normally taught in primary schools and Key Stages 3 and 4 in secondary schools. Young people aged 16 and over do not follow the National Curriculum and can choose from a wide range of courses to study in schools and colleges.

England and Wales

Foundation Stage is covered in Nursery and Reception classes
Key Stage 1 is taught in Years 1 and 2
Key Stage 2 is taught in Years 3-6
Key Stage 3 is taught in Years 7-9
Key Stage 4 is taught in Years 10 and 11

In England, education from 14 to 19 is increasingly being considered as a single phase. In September 2008 14-19 Diplomas are being introduced in some work related subjects at three levels.

Northern Ireland

Foundation Stage comprises Years 1 and 2
Key Stage 1 is taught in Years 3 and 4
Key Stage 2 is taught in Years 5-7
Key Stage 3  is taught in Years 8-10
Key Stage 4 is taught in Years 11 and 12

Scotland

Young children follow the early years Curriculum Framework for Children aged 3 to 5
Children aged 5-14 at primary school and S1 and S2 of secondary school follow the 5-14 curriculum
Years 3 and 4 at secondary schools normally study Standard Grades
Years 5 and 6 study National Courses (at 7 levels; Access 1 to Advanced Higher)

Useful Websites

England
www.nc.uk.net   Information on all National Curriculum subjects
www.parentcentre.gov.uk   Information to help you help your child

Wales
http://new.wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills   Information on learning from early years to adult learning

Scotland
www.ltscotland.org.uk/5to14/index.asp   Information on primary and lower secondary education
www.scotland.gov.uk/topics/education   Information on learning in schools, colleges, universities and life long learning
www.parentzonescotland.gov.uk   Developing partnerships between parents and schools

Northern Ireland
www.nicurriculum.org.uk   Information on the curriculum from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4
www.ccea.org.uk   The curriculum and its assessment from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 4