The National Curriculum is organised into four Key Stages (KS) and covers the following age groups:

1. Key Stage 1 (KS1): Ages 5-7 (Years 1-2)
2. Key Stage 2 (KS2): Ages 7-11 (Years 3-6)
3. Key Stage 3 (KS3): Ages 11-14 (Years 7-9)
4. Key Stage 4 (KS4): Ages 14-16 (Years 10-11)

• Key Stage 1 (KS1): Focuses on developing basic skills in reading, writing, and mathematics, with a phonics screening test in Year 1.
• Key Stage 2 (KS2): Builds on the foundation laid in KS1, with an emphasis on English, maths, and science. Students sit Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) in Year 6.
• Key Stage 3 (KS3): Introduces more complex topics across a broad range of subjects, preparing students for the GCSE years.
• Key Stage 4 (KS4): Students work towards their GCSEs, with exams taken at the end of Year 11. The core subjects remain compulsory, but students can choose additional subjects to study.

• Phonics Screening (Year 1): Assesses the ability to decode words using phonics.
• KS1 SATs (Year 2): Tests in reading, writing, maths, and science.
• KS2 SATs (Year 6): Tests in English and maths, with teacher assessments in science.
• GCSEs (KS4): Students take exams in their chosen subjects at the end of Year 11.

The National Curriculum aims to ensure that all children:

• Develop essential knowledge and skills.
• Are prepared for the next stage of their education.
• Are equipped with the tools to engage with the world around them.
• Are encouraged to become responsible citizens with a broad cultural understanding.

While the National Curriculum sets out a framework, schools have some flexibility to adapt their teaching to meet the needs of their pupils. Academies and free schools, for example, are not required to follow the National Curriculum but must offer a broad and balanced curriculum.