key stages explained

Key Stage (KS5)
Age 11–14. Y7–9. 1st–3rd form secondary

Key Stage 1 (primary school Years 3 and 4) builds on Foundation Stage experiences, and Key Stage 2 (primary school Years 5, 6 and 7) builds on Key Stage 1 experiences. As children progress through these stages, they move from informal to more formal learning.
The Northern Ireland Curriculum aims to empower young people to achieve their potential and to make informed and responsible decisions throughout their lives. The learning opportunities provided should help young people to develop as individuals, contributors to society and contributors to the economy and environment.

Derby Virtual School works with children from foundation stage onwards. All transitions can be difficult for children in care, but the move from primary school to secondary school (from key stage 2 to key stage 3) can be especially daunting.
The Virtual School supports this transition and offers advice to schools about additional transition support for children in care.

References:

http://ccea.org.uk/key-stages-1-2
http://www.derby.gov.uk/education-and-learning/derby-virtual-school/information-social-workers-foster-carers/key-states-explained/
http://www.goodschoolsguide.co.uk/choosing-a-school/state-schools