KS3 National Curriculum (Key stage 3)
Everything taught at key stage 3 in England, subject by subject, with the national tests and their dates.
- Years
- Year 7, Year 8, Year 9
- Ages
- 11–14
- Compulsory subjects
- 12
- 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 KS3
| Subject | Whole key stage | TIP by year |
|---|---|---|
| English Core | KS3 English | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| Maths Core | KS3 Maths | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| Science Core | KS3 Science | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| Art and Design | KS3 Art and Design | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| Citizenship | KS3 Citizenship | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| Computing | KS3 Computing | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| Design and Technology | KS3 Design and Technology | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| Languages | KS3 Languages | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| Geography | KS3 Geography | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| History | KS3 History | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| Music | KS3 Music | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
| PE | KS3 PE | Y7 Y8 Y9 |
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 KS3
There are no national tests at KS3.
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 KS3?
English, Maths, Science, Art and Design, Citizenship, Computing, Design and Technology, Languages, Geography, History, Music, PE. Religious education, relationships (and sex) education and health education are also required.
What ages and years are KS3?
Years 7, 8, 9, ages 11–14.