Year 6 KS2 SATs: A Last-Minute Guide for Parents and Carers

Year 6/ KS2 SATs… What are they?

Year 6 SATs, also known as Key Stage 2 SATs, are national assessments taken by students in England at the end of their primary school education. These tests are designed to assess children's attainment in English and mathematics.

 What are SATs results used for?

SATs results are primarily used to measure a child's academic progress and attainment at the end of Key Stage 2. From 2023, KS1 SATs are now non-statutory and therefore progress is measured from the Reception Baseline Assessments, which are administered in when children are in Year R.

SATs offer insights into the effectiveness of the education system, help identify areas where additional support may be needed, and serve as a means of accountability.

They also help secondary school teachers place children in suitable academic groups, although some schools use CAT scores instead, and not all schools set children into ability groups.

When does my child take their SATs?

SATs usually take place in May of Year 6, with specific dates set by the government. Schools will provide information about the exact timing of the tests. Testing typically commences on a Monday and concludes on the Thursday of the same week.

This year, the Key Stage 2 SATs are timetabled from Monday 13th May to Thursday 16th May 2024.

What are the different SATs papers? 

English paper 1: SPAG test (grammar and punctuation)

English paper 2: SPAG test (spelling)

English paper 3: Reading test

Maths paper 1: arithmetic

Maths paper 2: reasoning

Maths paper 3: reasoning

How are the SATs tests graded?

The STA (Standards & Testing Agency) is responsible for overseeing the marking of SATs papers. Students receive a scaled score for each subject, with 100 being the expected standard. Schools also receive information about how their students performed compared to national averages.

When do the KS2 SATs results come out?

KS2 SATs results are typically released to schools in July, with individual reports sent to parents shortly afterward.

League tables offer a closer examination of each school’s performance of SATs alongside their Ofsted report. In previous years, these league tables were released in December, providing further insight into school performance.

How can I support my child in managing anxiety related to SATs?

It can be difficult to know what to say to children who are about to embark on their first experience of exams. You want to strike a balance between offering support without overwhelming them with pressure. At the same time, you don't want to downplay the importance of doing their best. It is all about finding the right words to encourage them while keeping things positive and manageable.

Here are some top tips:

- Explain the purpose of SATs tests
- Make sure your child knows you believe in them
- Acknowledge their feelings and listen to them
- Focus on your child's effort rather than the outcome of the SATs tests

Encourage your child to maintain a balanced lifestyle with plenty of rest, healthy meals, and regular breaks from studying. Reassure them that SATs are just one way to measure their progress and that they should do their best without feeling overwhelmed.

My child is in Year 5 and are doing their SATs next year. How can I help them?

If you're a parent of a Year 5 child preparing for SATs and seeking tutoring support, reach out to us. We provide a positive and encouraging approach to developing children's reading and writing skills, without unnecessary pressure.

Contact us here.