Get Pro
Menu

Primary school

A school for children from about age 4 or 5 to 11 (England, Wales, NI) or about 4.5 to 12 (Scotland), covering Reception or P1 to Year 6 or P7.

Used in
All four UK nations (details may differ)
Topic
Phases and year groups

Being checked against official sources. This definition is written in our own words; always check the official guidance for your country.

Classfern Pro: report writer, Ask Fern, forum and jobs – no ads. What's in Pro Join Classfern Pro

Learn how – Glossary: watch the 1-minute video · print (PDF)

Infant school England Wales
A primary school for children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 (ages about 4 to 7).
Junior school England Wales
A primary school for children in Years 3 to 6 (ages about 7 to 11).
Elementary school United States
A US school for the early grades, usually kindergarten to grade 5 (sometimes to grade 6 or 8). Also called grade school or primary school.
Key Stage 1 (KS1) England Northern Ireland
In England, Years 1 and 2 (ages 5 to 7). In Northern Ireland, Key Stage 1 is Primary 3 and 4 (after the Foundation Stage in P1 and P2).
Key Stage 2 (KS2) England Northern Ireland
In England, Years 3 to 6 (ages 7 to 11), ending with the KS2 national curriculum tests. In Northern Ireland, Primary 5 to 7.

More terms: Phases and year groups

Moving-up day · Post-16 · Preschool · Secondary school · Transition (school) · Year group

More terms starting with P · Education glossary A–Z · Get a TIP for your class

Definitions are written by Classfern in our own words for teachers in the UK and the US. They are short explanations, not legal or official definitions: always check the official guidance for your country, nation or state. Classfern is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government department, inspectorate or exam board named here.