What is a key stage?

Key stages are a quick way to describe where a pupil is in their education. In England they are:

• Early years foundation stage (EYFS): from birth to the end of Reception
• Key stage 1: Years 1 and 2, usually ages 5 to 7
• Key stage 2: Years 3 to 6, usually ages 7 to 11
• Key stage 3: Years 7 to 9, usually ages 11 to 14
• Key stage 4: Years 10 and 11, usually ages 14 to 16, when most pupils take GCSEs

You will also hear “key stage 5” used informally for post-16 study in sixth forms and colleges. Each key stage ends with assessments, such as the multiplication tables check, key stage 2 tests (often called SATs) and GCSEs.

England and Wales

Wales used key stages until the Curriculum for Wales, which has been phased in since September 2022. The new curriculum removes key stages and replaces them with progression steps, which broadly relate to expectations at ages 5, 8, 11, 14 and 16. Year groups are still used in both nations, and you may still see key stages in older Welsh records.

Why it matters for your setting

• Referrals often mention a pupil’s key stage, which tells you roughly what they should be learning and which qualifications are coming up.
• Pupils in key stage 4 may need exam entries, coursework and careers support arranged with their school.
• Grouping pupils by stage can help you plan sessions and staffing.