what age is key stage 3

Key Stage 3 is the legal term for the three years of schooling in maintained schools in England and Wales normally known as Year 7, Year 8 and Year 9, when pupils are aged between 11 and 14. In Northern Ireland, the term also refers to the first three years of secondary education. At the end of Key Stage 3, pupils aged 14 or almost age 14 – in Year 9 – are assessed as part of the national program of National Curriculum assessment. Therefore, Key Stage 3 covers the first three years of secondary education in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, and it is taught to children between the ages of 11 and 14.