Expectations

The British government has set out targets to identify what most children should be able to do when they reach certain ages. For 3-5 year olds these targets are known as the Early Learning Goals of the Foundation Stage of education. 5-16 year olds are assessed using the Attainment Targets of the National Curriculum. The National Curriculum also lays out what most children will study and learn at each stage of their education. Remember, all children progress at different rates and learn in different ways. Teachers are expected to plan carefully so that their lessons, classroom, books and materials suit the range of children in their classes and help them to learn in different ways. This is known as ‘differentiation.’

This table shows the expected level an average child should reach at the end of each Key Stage. Key Stage 1 is for children in Year 1 and 2. Key Stage 2 is for the year groups 3 to 6. Key Stage 3 is for the year groups 7 to 9. Formal tests are taken at the end of each Key Stage although optional tests and teacher assessment are on going.

Age	Key Stage	End of Year group	Level
7	1	2	2
11	2	6	4
14	3	9	5/6

These levels may be subdivided into A, B, or C. A being at the higher end of the level and C being at the lower end.