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Curriculum

The National Curriculum – what it sets out


The National Curriculum is a framework used by all maintained schools to ensure that teaching and learning is balanced and consistent.

It sets out:

  • the subjects taught
  • the knowledge, skills and understanding required in each subject
  •  standards or attainment targets in each subject that teachers can use to measure your child's progress and plan their future learning
  • how your child's progress is assessed and reported 

Within the framework of the National Curriculum, schools are free to plan and organise teaching and learning in the way that best meets the needs of their pupils. Many schools use the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) Schemes of Work to plan the curriculum. These provide a basis for delivering the National Curriculum.

The National Curriculum key stages

Age

Stage

Year

Tests

3-4FoundationPre- School 
4-5FoundationReception 
5-6Key Stage

1

Year 1 
6-7Key Stage

1

Year 2National tests and tasks in English and Maths
7-8Key Stage

2

Year 3 
8-9Key Stage

2

Year 4 
9-10Key Stage

2

Year 5 
10-11Key Stage

2

Year 6National tests and tasks in English, Maths and science
11-12Key Stage

3

Year 7 
12-13Key Stage

3

Year 8 
13-14Key Stage

3

Year 9National tests and tasks in English, Maths and Science
14-15Key Stage

4

Year 10Some children take GCSEs
15-16Key Stage

4

Year 11Most children take GCSEs or other national qualifications

 

The National Curriculum is organised into blocks of years called 'key stages'.

There are four key stages as well as a Foundation Stage, which covers children below the minimum compulsory schooling age of five.

Programmes of study set out what pupils should be taught in each subject at each key stage. Teachers use these to plan and organise lessons.

Use this link to access more information on the national curriculum