The English Secondary System
The following information is a brief overview designed for parents/guardians who may be unfamiliar with the English Education system.
Secondary school is compulsory for all children aged 11-16.
Key Stages
| Key Stage | Age | Year Group |
| 3 | 11-14 | Year 7; Year 8; Year 9 |
| 4 | 14-16 | Year 10; Year 11 |
Examinations
| When? | Name of the Exam | Expectations |
| End of Year 9 | Key Stage Teacher Assessment | To achieve levels 5/6 in English, Maths and Science & Modern Foreign Language |
| End of Year 11 | GCSE | To achieve 5 grades at least between A* and C |
In addition to these formal exams, students must expect to be regularly tested by the teachers in order to measure their progress and Attainment Levels.
Option choices
At the end of Year 9, students select two subjects as option choices. All students have to study Maths, English, Science, ICT, RE, PE, and a language.
Important note:
At the end of each year it is standard practice for students to move up to the next year group. Students do not have to pass a test to move up a year and students are only held back a year in exceptional circumstances
