What is Key Stage 1?
4 min read · updated 2026-09-01
Key Stage 1 (KS1) covers school Years 1 and 2 in England, ages 5-7. It is where children move from play-based learning to structured reading, writing and number work, and where the habits that carry through KS2 and the 11+ are built.
What children learn
The KS1 curriculum covers phonics and early reading, writing (handwriting, spelling, sentence construction), maths (number bonds, counting to 100, simple addition, subtraction, shapes and measures), plus science, humanities and creative subjects. The focus is fluency with basics before complexity begins.
Phonics screening and Year 2 assessments
In Year 1, children take the phonics screening check: a short one-to-one check of decoding 40 words, real and made-up, to confirm reading foundations. In Year 2, children sit informal KS1 assessments in reading, maths and, optionally, English grammar; since 2023 these are used to inform teaching rather than reported as national results for every child.
How parents build the base at home
- ✓ Read together daily; five minutes every day beats an hour on Sunday
- ✓ Practise phonics sounds the class is learning that week
- ✓ Count everything: stairs, snacks, coins, pages
- ✓ Keep handwriting practice short and praised
FAQs
What if my child fails the phonics screening check?＋
They retake it in Year 2, and schools run extra phonics support in the meantime. Daily reading at home is the single most effective companion to that support.
Is KS1 too early for tutoring?＋
For regular weekly rescue-style tutoring, often yes. Short, game-based sessions (our tutors run 20-30 minute formats for young children) work well when there is a specific gap or confidence issue.
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