What is the typical age range for primary school?

What is the typical age range for primary school, and does this vary significantly by country or region? For instance, in many systems, primary education starts around age 5–7 and ends at age 10–12, but I’ve heard differences in countries like the United States (where it often starts at age 5–6 and ends at age 10–11) versus the United Kingdom (where it typically covers ages 4–11). Could you clarify the most common global standards and any notable exceptions?

The typical age range for primary school is 5 to 11 years old. This generally encompasses the following stages:

1. Lower Primary / Infant School:

   • Ages: 5 to 7
   • Years: Often Reception (or Kindergarten/Pre-K in some systems) and Years 1 & 2.
   • Focus: Foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, play, socialization, and basic subjects.
2. Upper Primary / Junior School:
   • Ages: 7 to 11
   • Years: Years 3, 4, 5, and 6.
   • Focus: Developing core subjects (English, Maths, Science) more deeply, introducing Humanities, Arts, and Physical Education, building independence, and preparing for the transition to secondary education.

Key Variations by Region:

• United Kingdom: Primarily 5-11 (Reception to Year 6 in England/Wales, Primary 1 to Primary 7 in Scotland, P1 to P7 in Northern Ireland). Some areas may have Infant (5-7) and Junior (7-11) schools.
• United States: Often called "Elementary School," typically covering Kindergarten (age 5/6) through Grade 5 (age 10/11), though sometimes extends to Grade 6 (age 11/12).
• Australia: Generally "Primary School" from Prep/Foundation (age 5/6) to Year 6 (age 11/12).
• Canada: Varies by province, but commonly covers Junior Kindergarten (age 4) or Kindergarten (age 5) to Grade 6 (age 11/12), sometimes Grade 8.
• Ireland: "Primary School" from Junior/Senior Infants (age 4/5) to Sixth Class (age 11/12), though statutory age is typically 6-12.
• New Zealand: "Primary School" from New Entrant (age 5) to Year 6 (age 10/11), sometimes Year 8 (age 12/13).
• Other Systems: Many countries follow a similar structure of 6 years starting around age 5/6. Exceptions exist where primary education ends at age 12 or 13 (e.g., some Nordic countries, systems with "Middle School" starting earlier).