National Curriculum Levels in Mathematics
Do you know what level your child is working at in mathematics? Are you aware of the expected level that they are predicted to achieve in their end of Key Stage tests?
If you want to know which National Curriculum Level your child is working at then ask your child’s teacher.
This page should give you a clearer understanding of the levels in which your child is working at within the National Curriculum. The Primary Mathematics Framework site will give you further information.
The Framework for teaching mathematics was introduced in the late 1990s.
Standards in mathematics have risen significantly since the introduction of the Framework but challenges remain. Nearly a quarter of 11-year-olds are still not confidently attaining level 4 or above in mathematics by the time they leave primary school.
The Key Stages and Assessment
| Age | Stage | Year Group | Assessments |
| 3 to 4 |
Foundation | Pre-school | |
| 4 to 5 | Foundation | Yr R | |
| 5 to 6 | Key Stage 1 | Yr 1 | |
| 6 to 7 | Key Stage 1 | Yr 2 |
National tests and tasks in Maths and English. |
| 7 to 8 | Key Stage 2 | Yr 3 | |
| 8 to 9 | Key Stage 2 | Yr 4 | |
| 9 to 10 | Key Stage 2 | Yr 5 | |
| 10 to 11 | Key Stage 2 | Yr 6 |
National tests in Maths and English. |
Key Stage Levels
During the appropriate Key Stage, most children will work between these levels
| Level | Key Stage 1 (5-7) | Key Stage 2 (7-11) |
| Working Towards | Significantly below expectations | |
| Level 1 | Below expectations | |
| Level 2 | Average for End of Key Stage 1 | Significantly below expectations |
| Level 3 | Beyond expectations | Below expectations |
| Level 4 | Exceptional | Average for End of Key Stage 2 |
| Level 5 | Beyond expectations | |
| Level 6 | Exceptional |