Key Stage 5

Key Stage 5 is a label used to describe the two years of education for students aged 16-18, or at sixth form, in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, aligning with previous Key Stages as labelled for the National Curriculum.

Halfway through Key Stage 5, students sit the GCE Advanced Subsidiary Levels examination and at the end of Key Stage 5, they sit the A2 Level examinations. Both AS and A2 level combined form the GCE Advanced Level qualification.

Key Stage 5 is also the stage of education where students go through more intense and challenging courses in very specific subjects like mathematics and physics. This stage is the last stage of secondary education for members of sixth form. When A levels are achieved the students will be able to apply to university.

See also