Key Stages in English Educative Process

As many people know, the educative process in England is divided into four main parts – primary, secondary, further education and higher education. The education system, particularly compulsory education, in England is also divided into four Key Stages, with a foundation stage preceding them and an unofficial fifth stage.

The Foundation Stage of the English educative process aims to achieve learning via planned play activities. Children ages 3 to 4 are made to attend nurseries and pre-schools for the non-compulsory part of the stage. The compulsory part of the stage covers pupils in their first primary school year.

Key Stage 1 is when primary school pupils ages 5 to 7 are required to undergo a programme of education in at least 10 statutory areas set out on the National Curriculum. At the end of each stage, pupils are made to take the National Curriculum assessment.

Key Stage 2 involves primary school pupils age 7 to 11 who are made to follow a programme of education in at least 11 statutory areas. In some areas, this stage covers last two years of first school and first two years of middle school.

Key Stage 3 of the English educative process entails having secondary school pupils ages 11 to 14 undergo a programme of education in at least 15 statutory areas. Key Stage 3 may cover the last two years of middle school and the first year of high school.

Key Stage 4 entails secondary school students age 14 to 16 undertaking a programme of education aimed at attaining General Certificate of Secondary Education or GCSE.

Key Stage 5 is when students undergo more intense and challenging courses in specific subjects, aimed at achieving Advanced Level General Certificate of Education or A level. Only after achieving A levels that a person could apply to university.