Optional tests + teacher assessment
Statutory SATs in May
Usually released in early July
What Are SATs?
SATs is the common name for national curriculum tests in England. Year 6 pupils take Key Stage 2 tests in English reading, grammar, punctuation and spelling, and maths. Year 2 tests are optional for schools.
See the government overview of national curriculum assessments for the assessment stages.
Who Sets the Tests?
The Standards and Testing Agency (a government body under the Department for Education) sets the tests. They oversee assessment and moderation up to the end of Key Stage 2 (KS2).
Why SATs matter
For pupils
Shows strengths and next steps in English and Maths.
For schools
Tracks progress and informs teaching and grouping.
For government
Monitors standards across regions and over time.
Who takes SATs and what is assessed?
KS1 tests in Year 2 are optional and marked by the school. KS2 tests in Year 6 are externally marked. KS2 English writing and science are assessed by teachers separately from the test scores. KS2 covers Years 3–6, rather than only Years 5–6.
How Will My Child Be Tested?
Most schools conduct the tests under formal exam conditions, often in a hall to minimise distractions and ensure smooth administration.
Year 2 (KS1) SATs – Test Format and Content
When: Year 2, typically in May. Since 2023/24 the end-of-KS1 tests are optional for schools. Where used, they cover English (Reading and optional GPS) and Maths. Tests are not strictly timed and short breaks can be given.
KS1 English: Reading
Pupils sit two papers. Paper 1 is a combined text-and-answer booklet; Paper 2 uses a separate reading booklet with more challenging texts.
| Component | Description | No. of Papers | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Reading prompt + answer booklet (shorter texts) | 1 | 20 | ~30 minutes (not strictly timed) |
| Paper 2 | Reading booklet + separate answer booklet (longer texts) | 1 | 20 | ~40 minutes (not strictly timed) |
| Total | — | 2 | 40 | ~70 minutes total |
KS1 English: Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS) — optional
| Component | Description | No. of Papers | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Spelling | Administrator reads 20 words; pupils write in answer booklet | 1 | 20 | ~15 minutes (not strictly timed) |
| Paper 2: Questions | Grammar, punctuation and vocabulary (question booklet) | 1 | 20 | ~20 minutes (not strictly timed) |
| Total | — | 2 | 40 | ~35 minutes total |
KS1 Maths
| Component | Description | No. of Papers | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Arithmetic | Fluency with number facts and calculations | 1 | 25 | ~20 minutes (not strictly timed) |
| Paper 2: Reasoning | Problem solving and reasoning (includes short aural questions) | 1 | 35 | ~35 minutes (not strictly timed) |
| Total | — | 2 | 60 | ~55 minutes total |
KS1 Maths – What’s covered
Typical content includes:
- Number & calculation: place value to 100, number bonds (to 20), +/−/×/÷ in simple contexts
- Fractions: ½, ⅓, ¼, ¾; finding and recognising simple fractions of shapes/quantities
- Measurement: money, time, length, mass, capacity/volume, temperature
- Geometry: 2D/3D shapes, properties, position and direction
- Statistics: simple pictograms, tally charts, block diagrams and tables
Science at KS1
There is no national KS1 science test. End-of-KS1 teacher assessments are optional; ask your child’s school how it reports progress.
Phonics screening check (Year 1) – not part of KS1 SATs
The Year 1 phonics screening check is separate from KS1 SATs. Ask your child’s school about participation and any Year 2 re-check.
Year 6 (KS2) SATs – Test Format and Content
When: Year 6, across several days. Tests cover English and Maths. English writing and science are assessed by teachers.
KS2 English: Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (SPaG)
| Component | Description | No. of Papers | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Grammar, punctuation and vocabulary (question booklet) | 1 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Paper 2 | Spelling (20 words, read aloud and written into sentences) | 1 | 20 | ~15 minutes (not strictly timed) |
| Total | — | 2 | 70 | ~60 minutes total |
KS2 English: Reading
Pupils read three texts (approx. 1,500–2,300 words in total) and answer questions in a separate booklet.
| Component | Description | No. of Papers | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading Test | Reading booklet + separate answer booklet | 1 | 50 | 60 minutes (includes reading time) |
KS2 Maths
Paper formats are described in the official KS2 test administration guidance.
| Component | Description | No. of Papers | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paper 1: Arithmetic | Fluency with operations and calculations | 1 | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Paper 2: Reasoning | Problem solving, fluency and reasoning | 1 | 35 | 40 minutes |
| Paper 3: Reasoning | Problem solving, fluency and reasoning | 1 | 35 | 40 minutes |
| Total | — | 3 | 110 | 110 minutes total |
KS2 Maths – What’s covered
See the primary mathematics curriculum for the full content.
Arithmetic includes: fractions (incl. mixed numbers), decimals (incl. conversions), percentages, square numbers, rounding, addition/subtraction, short & long multiplication/division, order of operations (BODMAS/BIDMAS).
Common KS2 topics:
- Number: place value, the four operations (incl. order of operations), directed numbers, rounding, fractions/decimals/percentages
- Geometry: symmetry, reflection, rotation, coordinates, 2D/3D shapes and their properties, angles
- Ratio and proportion: relative quantities, percentages, scale factors and unequal sharing
- Charts and tables: line graphs, pie charts, pictograms, block diagrams, tables, tally and bar charts
- Units and measures: time, money, mass/weight, volume, temperature
- Roman numerals
- Statistics: interpreting data and calculating the mean
Science at KS2
Science is reported through teacher assessment. It is not one of the routine Year 6 SATs papers.
How you can help at home (KS2)
It’s important to remember that the SATs are not a ‘pass or fail’ test. The primary purpose of these assessments is for the school rather than the individual child, so there’s no need to lose sleep over them. While there are many general tips available on our main SATs page, here are some specific suggestions for Key Stage 2:
- Maths: Help your child become familiar with mathematical language so they can recognise that terms like “add” and “sum” have the same meaning.
- Comprehension: Encourage your child to make predictions. Ask them what they think will happen next in a story or consider alternative endings for a passage.
- Reading: Use predictive questions to engage your child (e.g., “What might happen next?” or “Can you think of an alternative ending?”).
- Vocabulary: Reinforce the understanding of mathematical language by discussing synonyms, such as “add” and “sum.”
- Preparation: Review the Key Stage 2 expectations to identify and target likely topics in advance of the papers.
How Redbridge Tuition helps
Teaching methods in your child’s school for mathematics and English may differ from what you experienced.
In maths, students now learn multiplication as repeated addition. For example, 4 times 6 can be seen as adding 6 together four times (6 + 6 + 6 + 6) or 4 together six times (4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4). This understanding lays the groundwork for higher-level multiplication.
In English, tutors explain grammar terminology using examples and help pupils apply it in reading and writing.
At Redbridge Tuition, we provide small group sessions that allow for individualised attention and pair discussions. This method supports the speaking and listening skills emphasised in the National Curriculum.
For more information about our SATs courses, contact us. We are committed to helping children build strong subject knowledge, gain exam practice, and develop reading evaluation skills through modern teaching methods.
When Will I Get the Results?
Schools usually receive KS2 SATs results in early July. The date you receive them may vary depending on your school’s reporting method (verbal, written, or included in the end-of-year report).
What do KS2 scaled scores mean?
KS2 test scores use a scale from 80 to 120. A scaled score of 100 or more means the expected standard has been met. Raw marks are converted using the table for that subject and test year; 100 is not a percentage or a fixed raw mark.
Scores below 100 indicate that the expected standard has not been met in that test. Discuss the results alongside classroom work and teacher feedback to decide useful next steps.
See the official explanation of KS2 scaled scores.
Optional KS1 assessments
Schools can choose to use Year 2 tests in reading, maths, and grammar, punctuation and spelling. Grammar and spelling tests have not been scrapped: official optional KS1 materials remain available.
The separate KS1 and KS2 tables above show each stage’s papers. Standard timings may differ where approved access arrangements apply.
How Can You Support Your Child at Home?
- Reading Together
- Encourage decoding of unfamiliar words using phonics.
- Ask predictive questions to improve comprehension.
- Numerical Sequencing
- Practice number patterns, especially for times tables.
- Educational Games
- Play Boggle or Scrabble to enhance spelling and vocabulary.
- Use games like Fizz Buzz to improve mental arithmetic skills.
How Can Redbridge Tuition Help?
At Redbridge Tuition, we:
- Bridge the gap between home and school learning.
- Offer SATs preparation courses starting in January.
- Provide small group sessions for personalised learning.
- Focus on building subject knowledge and exam confidence.
Start Your Child’s Tuition Journey today by getting in touch:
Additional Resources
For any queries regarding the national tests, contact the National Curriculum Assessment Helpline:
- Email: assessments@education.gov.uk
- Telephone: 0300 303 3013
© Redbridge Tuition – Empowering your child to achieve their full potential.