Primary Education in Wales

Primary Education in Wales has a similar structure to Primary Education in England.

One significant difference is the use of Welsh medium teaching in many schools and compulsory teaching of the Welsh language.

Another difference is that in 2002, the Welsh Assembly decided to stop the tests at Key Stage 1 (ages 5-7). Instead, optional teacher-assessment materials were provided to schools in 2003 for use in English, mathematics, and Welsh. These had been adapted from materials originally developed by the National Foundation for Educational Research (NFER) and the other test agencies to be used as statutory assessment materials for 2003. At the end of 2003, the Daugherty Report was commissioned by the Welsh Assembly to undertake a review of the country's assessment procedures. The interim report by the committee was perceived by the media as supporting a complete abolishment of the assessments at key stages two and three.
** Primary school or infant school
*** Reception, age 4 to 5
*** Year 1, age 5 to 6
*** Year 2, age 6 to 7 (end of Key Stage 1 Teacher Assessments)
** Primary school or junior school
*** Year 3, age 7 to 8
*** Year 4, age 8 to 9
*** Year 5, age 9 to 10
*** Year 6, age 10 to 11 (End of Key Stage 2 Tests and Tasks)

See also

Education in Wales