History is a statutory subject for all pupils to the end of key stage 3, normally school year 9. British history is a compulsory element of the National Curriculum at all key stages. It is therefore expected that all children will be taught British history at least to the age of 14.
History is not compulsory at key stage 4, normally years 10 and 11, but students are entitled to follow a humanities course (comprising geography and history). Citizenship, which is statutory at key stages 3 and 4, also provides opportunities for pupils to explore what it means to be British as part of a wider discussion of their identities. GCSE history remains a popular choice for young people and must contain at least 25 per cent. British history.