Age Guide

It is essential to understand the British education system when booking or buying our products. Here we explain it all.

Age Guide

It is essential to understand the British education system when booking or buying our products. Here we explain it all.

The British system is renowned worldwide for its excellence and quality of education. Many schools are highly selective and navigating your way through the exams and entry points can seem daunting and confusing.

The British School System can be complicated and many families need guidance and support in choosing the right school for their child and then gaining entry.

This table helps with ages, year groups, the plus’ and when your child can sit which exams.

AgeAge from 1st SeptUK year group systemUK national CurriculumThe UK plus’US/International grade system
4 and underUnder 4NurseryFoundation StageNursery
4 years old by 31 August4-5 yearsReceptionFoundation Stage/4+4+ Enter new schoolK1 (Pre-Kindergarten)
5 years old by 31 August5-6 yearsYear 1Key Stage one7+ January of Year 1, start YellowbirdK2 (Kindergarten)
6 years old by 31 August6-7 yearsYear 2Key Stage one/7+7+ Exams can be between October and January of Year 2

8+ January of Year 2, start Yellowbird		Grade 1
7 years old by 31 August7-8 yearsYear 3Key Stage two/8+7+ enter new school

8+ Exam can be between October and January of Year 3		Grade 2
8 years old by 31 August8-9 yearsYear 4Key Stage two8+ enter new school

10+ January of Year 4, start Yellowbird		Grade 3
9 years old by 31 August9-10 yearsYear 5Key Stage two11+ January of Year 5, start YellowbirdGrade 4
10 years old by 31 August10-11 yearsYear 6Key Stage two10+ enter new school

11+ and 13+ Exams can be between October and January of Year 6		Grade 5
11 years old by 31 August11-12 yearsYear 7Key Stage three/11+11+ enter new schoolGrade 6
12 years old by 31 August12-13Year 8Grade 7
13 years old by 31 August13-14Year 913+ enter new schoolGrade 8