The National Curriculum subjects for Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 are set out in section 84 of the Education Act 2002.
Religious education must be provided to all pupils on the school roll, unless withdrawn by their parents. Maintained schools are required to follow the locally agreed syllabus approved by their local authority.
Secondary schools must also provide sex education to pupils unless withdrawn by their parents.
The National Curriculum applies to pupils of compulsory school age in maintained schools. It is organised on the basis of four key stages.
Key Stage 1: Ages 5-7 (Years 1-2)
Key Stage 2: Ages 7-11 (Years 3-6)
Key Stage 3: Ages 11-14 (Years 7-9)
Key Stage 4: Ages 14-16 (Years 10-11).
For each subject and for each key stage, programmes of study set out what pupils should be taught, and attainment targets set out the expected standards of pupils' performance. It is for schools to choose how they organise their school curriculum to include the programmes of study.
The consultation report on work-related learning can be downloaded from the associated resources section below.
