Learning journey

Get ready for primary school

Find out what your child will learn each year at primary school, how they are assessed and what tests they'll take.


Year 1 at primary school Year 2 at primary school Year 3 at primary school Year 4 at primary school Year 5 at primary school Year 6 at primary school
Early Years

Early years (Age 3–4)

Find out what to expect at nursery in the Early Years .
What to expect in the Early Years >

What to expect in Reception

Reception (Age 4–5)

Find out what to expect at school in Reception.
What to expect in Reception >

Year 1

Year 1 (Age 5–6)

Find out what your child will learn in Year 1 at primary school.
What to expect in Year 1.

Year 2

Year 2 (Age 6–7)

Information about maths, reading and the KS1 SATs.
What to expect in Year 2 >

Year 3

Year 3 (Age 7–8)

What to expect in Year 3 as your child enters Key Stage 2.
What to expect in Year 3 >

Year 4

Year 4 (Age 8–9)

Year 4 brings a focus on times tables as your child grows in confidence.
What to expect in Year 4 >

Year 5

Year 5 (Age 9–10)

Year 5 brings increased independence and responsibility.
What to expect in Year 5.

Year 6

Year 6 (Age 10–11)

Your child will consolidate their skills as they prepare for KS2 SATs.
What to expect in Year 6 >.

Oxford Owl for School

Year 7 (Age 11–12)

Practical tips to help your child transition from primary to secondary school.
Get ready for secondary school >

Assessment at primary school

Assessment at school

Day-to-day assessment >
Y1 Phonics screening check >
Key Stage 1 SATs >
Key Stage 2 SATs >
The 11 plus exam >

Guide to starting school

Guide to starting school

Starting school doesn't need to be a daunting experience for you and your child.
Getting ready to start school >

Oxford Owl for School

Oxford Owl for School

Are you a teacher? Log in to Oxford Owl for School to explore thousands of free teaching resources and support.