The National Curriculum is separated into Key Stages 1, 2, 3 and 4, according to children’s ages.  The additional Early Years Foundation Stage is designed for educating children aged 3-5.

Teacher assessments are made at the end of Key Stages 1, 2 and 3.  Teachers report on a child’s attainment in each subject and specify which National Curriculum level they are working at.

End of key stage’ tests determine a child’s performance in each subject.  The results of these tests are also used to measure a school’s performance as a whole, in comparison to the rest of the country.