KS1 National Curriculum (Key stage 1)
Everything taught at key stage 1 in England, subject by subject, with the national tests and their dates.
- Years
- Year 1, Year 2
- Ages
- 5–7
- Compulsory subjects
- 10
- Last checked
- 2026-10-20
Current. The government response to the Curriculum and Assessment Review (Nov 2025) says a revised national curriculum will be published by spring 2027 for first teaching from September 2028.
Subjects at KS1
| Subject | Whole key stage | TIP by year |
|---|---|---|
| English Core | KS1 English | Y1 Y2 |
| Maths Core | KS1 Maths | Y1 Y2 |
| Science Core | KS1 Science | Y1 Y2 |
| Art and Design | KS1 Art and Design | Y1 Y2 |
| Computing | KS1 Computing | Y1 Y2 |
| Design and Technology | KS1 Design and Technology | Y1 Y2 |
| Geography | KS1 Geography | Y1 Y2 |
| History | KS1 History | Y1 Y2 |
| Music | KS1 Music | Y1 Y2 |
| PE | KS1 PE | Y1 Y2 |
Also required in all schools (not part of the national curriculum programmes of study): Religious education – all key stages (locally agreed syllabus); Relationships education (primary), RSE (secondary), health education (all pupils; not independent schools); Daily act of collective worship.
Tests and checks at KS1
Phonics screening check Statutory
40 words (20 real words and 20 pseudo-words) read aloud to the check administrator.
Also: Year 2 pupils who did not meet the standard (or did not take it) in year 1
2026 to 2027: Week starting Monday 14 June 2027 (14–18 June 2027)
Source: GOV.UK · last checked 2026-10-20
Key stage 1 tests (optional) Optional
Optional English reading, GPS and mathematics tests.
2026 to 2027: Recommended during May 2027
Source: GOV.UK · last checked 2026-10-20
Later years (from GOV.UK primary assessments: future dates): 2027 to 2028: KS2 tests Monday 8 May – Thursday 11 May 2028; MTC 2 weeks from Monday 5 June 2028; phonics week from Monday 12 June 2028. 2028 to 2029: KS2 tests Monday 14 May – Thursday 17 May 2029; MTC 2 weeks from Monday 4 June 2029; phonics week from Monday 11 June 2029. Primary assessments: future dates says arrangements for 2026 to 2027 are unchanged while future arrangements are reviewed after the Curriculum and Assessment Review.
Other key stages
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. © Crown copyright. Sources: Department for Education and Standards and Testing Agency pages on GOV.UK.
Statements in the curriculum lists are copied word for word from GOV.UK; everything else on this page (headings, notes, summaries) is written by us. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Department for Education or the Standards and Testing Agency. Always check the official documents linked on this page.
Questions teachers ask
What subjects are compulsory at KS1?
English, Maths, Science, Art and Design, Computing, Design and Technology, Geography, History, Music, PE. Religious education, relationships (and sex) education and health education are also required.
What ages and years are KS1?
Years 1, 2, ages 5–7.