Primary education in Wales
In Wales, the
Department for Children, Education, Lifelong Learning and Skills
(part of the Welsh Assembly) took control of education in
2000.
The systems in Wales and England still have very similar
curricula, standardised testing, and examinations.
The National curriculum for primary education in
Wales was extensively assessed and reviewed between 2002 and 2004.
It still remains very similar to the curriculum found in England
and the subjects taught are broadly the same, with the exception of
the teaching of the Welsh Language. Also, what is studied as
Citizenship' in England, is known as Personal Social Education
(PSE) in Wales.
Phases of primary education in Wales
| 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 |
| Pre-school and nursery education |
Pre-school settings which
include pre-school groups, playgroups, day nurseries, nursery
centres and nursery schools |
. |
3 - 4 |
Learn more about the following curriculum areas in Wales:
Primary maths
Primary personal finance
education