| System | Age Range | Education Level | Key Assessments | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SATs (UK) | 6–7 (KS1), 10–11 (KS2) | Primary school | Tests in English & Maths (KS1 optional since 2023; KS2 compulsory) | Benchmark literacy/numeracy; school accountability; transition to secondary |
| Gaokao (China) | 18 (end of senior secondary) | End of high school | 2–3 day exam covering Chinese, Maths, English, plus electives (sciences/humanities) | Determines university admission; one score decides access to elite universities; shapes career trajectory |
| IGCSE (Cambridge International) | 14–16 (Grades 9–10) | Upper secondary | Exams in 70+ subjects, graded A*–G | International benchmark for secondary completion; gateway to A‑Levels, IB, or vocational study |
| KCSE (Kenya) | 17–18 (Form 4) | End of secondary school | Exams in 7 subjects (English, Kiswahili, Maths compulsory, plus electives) | Certifies completion of secondary; determines university/college placement |
Age Band Analysis (6–21)
-
Ages 6–11:
- UK SATs assess literacy/numeracy.
- Kenya uses KPSEA (Grade 6) under CBC for transition to junior secondary.
- China focuses on continuous exams but no national test until Gaokao.
-
Ages 12–16:
- Cambridge IGCSE dominates internationally.
- Kenya’s CBC includes junior secondary assessments.
- China emphasizes internal school exams, preparing for Gaokao.
-
Ages 17–18:
- KCSE (Kenya) and Gaokao (China) are terminal, high‑stakes exams.
- IGCSE students progress to A‑Levels or IB.
- UK students take GCSEs (16) then A‑Levels (18).
-
Ages 19–21:
- No SATs, KCSE, or Gaokao at this stage.
- Students are in university or vocational training.
- IGCSE graduates may be in A‑Levels or higher education.
