Education in England
The Department for Education
(DfE) is the body responsible for education in England. Ofsted is the inspectorate
body found in England.
Phases of primary education in England
|
Phase of education
|
Type of institution
|
Key stages
|
Year/grade key
|
Typical age
|
|
Primary education
|
Primary schools
|
Key stage 2
|
Y6
|
10 - 11
|
|
Y5
|
9 - 10
|
|
Y4
|
8 - 9
|
|
Y3
|
7 - 8
|
|
Key stage 1
|
Y2
|
6 - 7
|
|
Y1
|
5 - 6
|
|
.
|
Reception classes (R) in primary schools
|
Foundation stage
|
R
|
4 - 5
|
|
Phases of secondary education in England
| Phase of education |
Type of
institution |
Key stages |
Year/grade key |
Typical age |
| Upper secondary education |
GCE ''A" Levels, GCE
''AS'' Level examinations, Advanced Diplomas (taken at age 17/18)
provide access to further and higher education and the world of
work |
| Further education
institutions |
School sixth
forms or sixth form colleges |
17 - 18 |
. |
| 16 - 17 |
. |
| General Certificates of
Secondary Education (GCSEs), General National Vocational
Qualifications (GNVQs), GCSEs in vocational subjects (Vocational
GCSEs) and Foundation and Higher Diplomas (usually taken at age 16)
provide access to post-compulsory general/academic and vocational
studies and the world of work |
| Secondary schools |
Key stage 4 |
Year 11 (Y11) |
15 - 16 |
| Y10 |
14 - 15 |
| Lower secondary education |
Key stage 3 |
Y9 |
13 - 14 |
| Y8 |
12 - 13 |
| Y7 |
11 - 12 |
|
You can also read more on the education system by visiting the
Employers' Guide to employer engagement.
Maths in the Primary Curriculum
Alongside literacy, numeracy makes up the core of early learning
experiences at primary schools in England.
The latest curricular requirements are highlighted in the
Primary Framework for literacy and mathematics.
www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/eyfs/resources/downloads/the-primary-framework.pdf
Maths in the Secondary Curriculum
The Qualificiations and Curriculum Authority (QCA)
states that 'Mathematical thinking is important for all members of
a modern society as a habit of mind for its use in the workplace,
business and finance, and for personal decision-making. Mathematics
is fundamental to national prosperity in providing tools for
understanding science, engineering, technology and economics.
It is essential in public decision-making and for
participation in the knowledge economy'.
The recently revised programme of study for KS3 and 4, which
came into operation in 2008 is available on the QCA website.