The Education System in the UK

In the UK, education is compulsory for all children between the ages of 5 (4 in Northern Ireland) and 16.

In addition, the National Curriculum in England and Wales is constructed in five Key Stages:

1. Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

• Non-compulsory stage of education for children from birth to 5 (or before starting reception)

• Early Education and Childcare funding options

2. Primary education

• Key Stage 1 - Foundation year and Years 1 to 2 - for pupils aged between 5 and 7 years old

• Key Stage 2 - Years 3 to 6 - for pupils aged between 8 and 11 years old

3. Secondary education

• Key Stage 3 - Years 7 to 9 - for pupils aged between 12 and 14 years old

• Key Stage 4 - Years 10 to 11 - for pupils aged between 15 and 16 years old

4. Further Education (FE)

• Key Stage 5 - Years 12 to 13 - for pupils aged between 17 and 18 years old

5. Higher Education (HE)