USA school grades compared to UK years (and Key Stages) have similarities but distinct differences too. Our table (below) provides a quick and simple guide to American school years compared to UK stages and throws some light on that big question often asked here in England after watching an American school-based TV show .... "What on earth is a Sophomore?". (Turns out a Sophomore is equivalent to a Year 11 pupil in the UK). As it can be confusing for UK and American parents or teachers when a website says "Suitable for Key Stage 3" or "Suitable for 8th Graders" the table should also help them match internet resources to age and ability.

ROUGH GUIDE to US School Grades Compared to UK School Years
Age	U.K. Year	U.K. Key Stage	U.S. Level
3 to 4 years	----	Early Years	Pre-Kindergarten (age 2 to 4)
4 to 5 years	Reception	Early Years	Pre-Kindergarten (age 2 to 4)
5 to 6 years	Year 1 - Infants School (Primary)	Key Stage 1	Kindergarten
6 to 7 years	Year 2	Key Stage 1	1st Grade - Elementary School
7 to 8 years	Year 3 - Junior School (Primary)	Key Stage 2	2nd Grade
8 to 9 years	Year 4	Key Stage 2	3rd Grade
9 to 10 years	Year 5	Key Stage 2	4th Grade
10 to 11 years	Year 6	Key Stage 2	5th Grade
11 to 12 years	Year 7 - Secondary School	Key Stage 3	6th Grade - Middle School
12 to 13 years	Year 8	Key Stage 3	7th Grade
13 to 14 years	Year 9	Key Stage 3	8th Grade
14 to 15 years	Year 10	Key Stage 4	9th Grade (Freshman)  - High School
15 to 16 years	Year 11	Key Stage 4	10th Grade (Sophomore)
16 to 17 years	Year 12 (6th Form)	----	11th Grade (Junior)
17 to 18 years	Year 13 (6th Form)	----	12th Grade (Senior)

In England - from September 2013 - the education leaving age increased to 17 years and then from 2015 it will increase once again to 18 years. This does NOT mean that young people have to stay in school until they are 17 or 18 but it does mean that they must stay in 'education or training' which could also include an apprenticeship, part-time education or training, home education, or even some types of volunteer work.

The table above is for guidance only and shows USA school years compared to UK years and grades. Please DOUBLE CHECK the above data on an official education website before you rely upon it for any purpose. It may be inaccurate or may have been superseded since we last checked it.

For further information and facts on the US school grades and education system, visit the most excellent and knowledgeable Wikipedia for a detailed description of the United States' Education System.

For further details of the UK's National Curriculum Key Stages take a look on www.gov.uk.