What Year are KS1 Explained in Detail: Years, Curriculum, SATs & FAQs

Key Stage 1 (KS1) is a foundational phase in the UK National Curriculum, marking the transition from early years play-based learning to more structured education. This comprehensive guide explains what KS1 entails, the years it covers, what children learn, and answers all your frequently asked questions.

What is Key Stage 1 (KS1)?

Key Stage 1 (KS1);is the first formal stage of the National Curriculum in England and Wales. It represents a crucial bridge between the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and the more advanced learning of Key Stage 2. During Key Stage 1 (KS1), children build essential academic foundations while continuing to develop socially and emotionally.

Which Years are KS1 (Key Stage 1)?

KS1 comprises exactly two school years: Year 1 and Year 2.

Here's how KS1 fits into the complete primary education structure:

Important clarification:;Reception is NOT part of KS1.;It belongs to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which precedes KS1. This distinction is important for curriculum expectations and assessment methods.

Detailed KS1 Curriculum Breakdown

Core Subjects (Heavily Emphasised)

English:

• Phonics:;Systematic synthetic phonics teaching continues from Reception, focusing on more complex sounds and spelling patterns.
• Reading:;Progress from decoding simple words to reading aloud with fluency and expression. Children are introduced to a wider range of fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
• Writing:;Develop from writing simple sentences to composing short narratives with basic punctuation (capital letters, full stops, question marks).
• Spelling, Grammar & Punctuation:;Begin learning common exception words, basic grammatical terms (noun, verb, adjective), and sentence structure.

Mathematics:

• Number:;Secure understanding of numbers to 100, including place value (tens and ones). Mastery of addition and subtraction, and introduction to multiplication and division through grouping and sharing.
• Measurement:;Learn to measure and compare length, height, weight, volume, and time (hours, minutes, days of the week).
• Geometry:Recognise and name common 2D and 3D shapes, describe position, direction, and movement (half, quarter, and three-quarter turns).
• Fractions:Recognise, find, and name a half and a quarter of an object, shape, or quantity.

Science:

• Working Scientifically:Asking simple questions, performing basic tests, observing closely, and using simple equipment.
• Topics:;Plants, animals (including humans), everyday materials, and seasonal changes.

Foundation Subjects

• Art & Design:Using colour, pattern, texture, line, shape, form and space. Learning about the work of artists and designers.
• Computing:Understanding algorithms, creating simple programs, using technology purposefully to store and retrieve digital content.
• Design & Technology (D&T):Designing purposeful, functional products based on design criteria.
• Geography:Identifying continents, oceans, and the UK's countries/capitals. Simple fieldwork skills.
• History:Learning about significant historical events, people and places in their own locality and beyond (e.g., The Great Fire of London, famous explorers).
• Languages (KS1 is non-statutory):Many schools introduce a modern foreign language (like French or Spanish), but this is not a compulsory part of the KS1 curriculum.
• Music: Using voices and instruments musically, listening with concentration, understanding basic musical elements.
• Physical Education (PE): Developing fundamental movement skills, participating in team games, and performing dances.

How Will Children Be Tested in Key Stage 1?

In Key Stage 1 (KS1), children are tested in a gentle and child-friendly way, with a strong focus on teacher assessment rather than formal exams. The aim is to understand each child's progress without creating pressure.

At the end of Year 2 (ages 6-7), teachers assess pupils mainly through their day-to-day classroom work, observations, and activities completed throughout the year. This includes how well children can read, write, and use maths skills in normal lessons. Writing is assessed entirely by the teacher based on the child's work over time, rather than through a single test.

Schools may also use KS1 SATs, which are optional. If used, these include short tests in reading, mathematics, and grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS). These tests are usually completed in a relaxed classroom setting, often spread over several days, and teachers can provide support such as reading questions aloud or giving breaks when needed. There are no strict exam conditions.

How are Key Stage 1 SAT results used?

Key Stage 1 (KS1) SAT results are used mainly as a guide to a child's learning and development, rather than as high-stakes exam results. Their purpose is to help teachers, schools, and parents understand how well a child has grasped the basic skills taught in reading, writing, and maths by the end of Year 2.

Teachers use KS1 SAT results to identify strengths and areas where a child may need extra support as they move into Key Stage 2. The results help Year 3 teachers plan lessons, set appropriate learning targets, and ensure children receive the right level of challenge or support early on. Writing and science outcomes are also used to build a complete picture of each pupil's overall attainment.

For parents, KS1 SAT results provide clear feedback on progress, showing whether their child is working at the expected standard for their age. Schools usually share these results through end-of-year reports or parent meetings, along with explanations of what the outcomes mean in practical terms.

KS1 SATs (National Curriculum Assessments)

• When are KS1 SATs? They are administered at the end of Year 2.
• What do they test? Formal, but low-pressure, teacher-led assessments in:
• Reading: Two short papers with comprehension questions.
• Mathematics: Two papers one on arithmetic and one on mathematical reasoning.
• English grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS): An optional paper. Schools can choose whether to use it.

Important Notes for Parents:

• The tests are informal, often integrated into normal classroom activities.

• There are no formal, published results for individual pupils at KS1.

• The main purpose is to inform teacher assessment and help identify needs. Your child's teacher will use the test results, along with all their other classwork, to make an overall judgment about whether your child is "working towards," "working at," or "working at greater depth" relative to the expected standard for KS1.

• You will receive this teacher assessment judgment, not a raw test score, in your child's end-of-year report.

What are the Differences Between KS1 and KS2 years?

Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2) differ mainly in age range, learning approach, subject depth, and assessment style. KS1 covers Year 1 and Year 2 for children aged 5 to 7 and focuses on building strong foundations in reading, writing, and maths. Learning at this stage is more play-based and teacher-guided, helping children develop basic phonics, simple sentence writing, counting, and early problem-solving skills. Assessments in KS1 are mostly teacher-led, and any tests are low-pressure and designed to understand a child's progress rather than measure performance nationally.

In contrast, KS2 runs from Year 3 to Year 6 for children aged 7 to 11 and places greater emphasis on structured learning and independence. Pupils are expected to read more complex texts, write detailed paragraphs with correct grammar and punctuation, and solve more advanced mathematical problems involving fractions, decimals, and reasoning. Subjects such as science, history, geography, and computing are taught in greater depth, and pupils often begin learning a foreign language. Assessments in KS2 are more formal, with mandatory SATs in Year 6, and children are given more homework and responsibility for their learning. Overall, KS1 focuses on building confidence and core skills, while KS2 develops understanding, application, and independent thinking.