Supporting your child's school journey

School years 3 and 6 are for children aged seven to eleven years old and is the next phase of your child's school journey, also known as Key Stage 2 (KS2).

Key stage 2 is the step before your child moves up to secondary school, this is when you may find that:

• there will be a more formal style of learning
• they will start receiving more homework
• there will be more formal assessments
• they will be thinking about what secondary school they want to go to

In Year 6 your child will have national tests and teacher assessments in English and maths, and teacher assessments in science. it is also likely they will sit the Secondary Transfer Test (formerly known as 11+).

Usually, children do practice tests at school to help them prepare, if you would like to help them at home you can:

• practice their times tables
• encourage them to read
• play memory and word games
• make sure they have time to relax and don't feel stressed about the tests

If a young person is feeling nervous about moving into year 7, there is lots of support and advice to help those moving up to secondary school.

It can also be confusing to know when to apply, how to apply and what schools to apply for. Using the guide to moving up to secondary school can help you through the process and answer any questions you may have.

There is support and advice on helping to prepare your child for School Years 3 to 6, and what to expect during this time.