England & Wales
England & Wales
Key Stage 3 refers to your first three years of secondary school from years 7-9 (years 8-10 in Northern Ireland) when you are between 11-14 years of age. Towards the end of these three years you'll have to decide what subjects you'd like to specialise in and take exams in over the following two years. For more information, see Key Stage 4.
During your Key Stage 3 years you’ll learn:
- English
- Maths
- Science
- Information & Communication Technology
- Design & Technology
- History
- Geography
- Modern Foreign Language(s)
- Art & Design
- Music
- Physical Education
- Citizenship
- Sex Education
- Career Education
- Religious Education
- Welsh (in Wales only)
You teacher will assess you throughout years 7-9 and will direct you into learning more challenging material to help you develop your academic knowledge.
In Year 9 you’ll have to choose the subjects you want to continue studying for the next two years, which will culminate in exams in the summer term of Year 11. GCSEs are the main qualifications you’ll take, but you might also be offered BTECs. 
