The UK operates on a basic school curriculum. For State schools, this is called the National Curriculum. The stages of the National Curriculum is referred to as Key Stages. Our table will provide guidance to families who want to find out the equivalent UK school years for their children. Age is determined as per August 31st each year.
| CHILD’S AGE | UK SYSTEM | US SYSTEM | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-3 | EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE | NURSERY | ||
| 3-4 | NURSERY | PRE-KINDERGARTEN | ||
| 4-5 | RECEPTION | |||
| 5-6 | KEY STAGE 1 | YEAR 1 | KINDERGARTEN | |
| 6-7 | YEAR 2 | 1ST GRADE | ELEMENTARY | |
| 7-8 | KEY STAGE 2 | YEAR 3 | 2ND GRADE | |
| 8-9 | YEAR 4 | 3RD GRADE | ||
| 9-10 | YEAR 5 | 4TH GRADE | ||
| 10-11 | YEAR 6 | 5TH GRADE | ||
| 11-12 | KEY STAGE 3 | YEAR 7 | 6TH GRADE | MIDDLE SCHOOL |
| 12-13 | YEAR 8 | 7TH GRADE | ||
| 13-14 | YEAR 9 | 8TH GRADE | ||
| 14-15 | KEY STAGE 4 LOWER FIFTH | YEAR 10 | 9TH GRADE | HIGH SCHOOL FRESHMAN |
| 15-16 | UPPER FIFTH | YEAR 11 | 10TH GRADE | SOPHOMORE |
| 16-17 | KEY STAGE 5 LOWER SIXTH | YEAR 12 | 11TH GRADE | JUNIOR |
| 17-18 | UPPER SIXTH | YEAR 13 | 12TH GRADE | SENIOR |