Key Stage 2 SATS

Year 6 SATs Information for Parents

If your child is in Year 6, they will take their Key Stage 2 (KS2) National Curriculum Tests, commonly known as SATs, at the end of primary school. These tests assess pupils in:

• English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS)
• English Reading
• Mathematics

The tests are set and marked externally. They help measure the progress children have made throughout primary school and identify any areas where additional support may be needed. Results are also used to measure school performance and contribute to national education data.

Your child’s test results, alongside teacher assessments, provide an overall picture of their attainment and progress.

As the tests take place on nationally designated dates, it is very important that your child attends school on each test day.

The Tests

English Reading

The Reading test consists of one paper based on three separate texts. Children have one hour, including reading time, to complete the test.

Questions may include:

• Ranking or ordering information, for example placing events in the correct sequence.
• Labelling sections of a text.
• Finding and copying words or phrases from the text.
• Short-answer questions.
• Longer, open-ended questions that require children to explain their understanding using evidence from the text.

English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS or SPaG)

The GPS test is divided into two parts:

Grammar and Punctuation Paper

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Consists of short-answer questions

Spelling Test

• Duration: approximately 15 minutes
• An aural spelling test of 20 words

Question types may include:

• Selected response questions, such as identifying adjectives or other word classes.
• Constructed response questions, requiring children to correct, complete or rewrite sentences, or explain punctuation choices.

Mathematics

Children complete three maths papers:

• Paper 1: Arithmetic – 30 minutes
• Paper 2: Reasoning – 40 minutes
• Paper 3: Reasoning – 40 minutes

The Arithmetic paper focuses on calculations and number skills, including methods such as long multiplication and long division.

The Reasoning papers include a range of question types, such as:

• Multiple-choice questions
• True or false questions
• Questions requiring children to complete calculations, draw shapes, or fill in tables and charts
• Problem-solving questions where children explain their methods and reasoning

Teacher Assessment

There is no SATs test for English Writing. Instead, teachers make a judgement based on your child’s work throughout Year 6 and at the end of Key Stage 2.

You will also receive a teacher assessment judgement for Science.

When Will the Tests Take Place?

Key Stage 2 Year 6 SATs in England always take place in May. The tests run over four days during a single designated week. 

Understanding Your Child’s Results

Parents will receive:

• A raw score (the number of marks achieved)
• A scaled score
• Information about whether their child has met the expected national standard

The scaled score range is:

• 80 – the lowest possible scaled score
• 80-99 – working towards the expected standard
• 100-109 – working at the expected standard
• 110-120 – working at a higher level

A scaled score of 100 or above indicates that a child has met the expected standard. A score of 99 or below means they have not met the expected standard in that particular test.

SATs Booster Sessions

We offer additional SATs booster sessions to help children build confidence and strengthen their skills.

• Tuesday mornings: Maths
• Thursday mornings: English
• Start time: 8:00am

All children are welcome to attend. Sessions include revision activities, games and quizzes designed to reinforce learning in an enjoyable way. Children are welcome to bring a drink and a healthy snack.

If you have any questions about the SATs or how best to support your child at home, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of the Year 6 team.