The Different Stages Of UK Education

The different stages of education in the UK are as follows:

PRE-SCHOOL NURSERY – Children from 6 weeks to 5 years of age can attend pre-school nursery however, nursery is not compulsory in the UK. A child can go straight into the reception stage or school year 1.

RECEPTION – The first stage of schooling in the UK is called reception. Children will start reception in September after their 4th birthday. Reception is not compulsory in the UK.

SCHOOL YEARS 1 & 2 – This stage of education in the UK is called key stage 1 and it is compulsory. Children in year 1 & 2 are aged between 5 and 7 years. 

SCHOOL YEARS 3 to 6 – This stage of education in the UK is called key stage 2 and it is compulsory. Children in years 3 to 6 are aged between 7 and 11 years old.

SCHOOL YEARS 7 to 9 – This stage of education in the UK is called key stage 3 and it is compulsory. Children in years 7 to 9 are aged between 11 and 14 years old.

SCHOOL YEARS 10 & 11 – This stage of education in the UK is called key stage 4 and it is compulsory. Children in years 10 & 11 are aged between 14 and 16 years old. 

COLLEGE/SIXTH FORM – This stage of education is sometimes called key stage 5. Young people at college or in sixth form are usually aged between 16 and 18 years old. College or sixth form is not compulsory because these young people can also do an apprenticeship.