KS4 National Curriculum (Key stage 4)
Everything taught at key stage 4 in England, subject by subject, with the national tests and their dates.
- Years
- Year 10, Year 11
- Ages
- 14–16
- Compulsory subjects
- 6
- 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 KS4
| Subject | Whole key stage | TIP by year |
|---|---|---|
| English Core | KS4 English | Y10 Y11 |
| Maths Core | KS4 Maths | Y10 Y11 |
| Science Core | KS4 Science | Y10 Y11 |
| Citizenship | KS4 Citizenship | Y10 Y11 |
| Computing | KS4 Computing | Y10 Y11 |
| PE | KS4 PE | Y10 Y11 |
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 KS4
Pupils usually take GCSEs and other qualifications at the end of key stage 4; dates are set by the exam boards.
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 KS4?
English, Maths, Science, Citizenship, Computing, PE. Religious education, relationships (and sex) education and health education are also required.
What ages and years are KS4?
Years 10, 11, ages 14–16.