Key Stage 2 SATs

The National Curriculum assessments, otherwise known as the Standard Assessment Tests (SATs), can seem like a daunting part of your child’s education. However, if you know what to expect, they don’t need to be scary for you or your child. They take place in May every year and this academic year, the Key Stage 2 SATs will start on Monday 13th May 2024 and finish on 16th May.

Below you will find all the answers to parents’ most common questions about the SATs for Key Stage 2. You will also find links to detailed breakdowns of what each test involves and how you can support your child.

What tests do children take at the end of Year 6, and when?
How are the tests marked, and what do the scores mean?
Will my child be given a level?
Are there any example questions I can look at?
What do the tests involve, and how can I help my child?

What tests do children take at the end of Year 6?

There are papers in three subject areas:

• Reading: 1 paper, 50 marks, 60 minutes total.
• Mathematics: 3 papers, 110 marks, 110 minutes total.
• English grammar, punctuation and spelling: 2 papers, 70 marks, 60 minutes total.

The overview for the week is detailed below, these dates will be the same for all schools.

• Monday 13th May 2024: English grammar, punctuation and spelling papers 1 (questions) & 2 (spelling)
• Tuesday 14th May 2024: English reading paper
• Wednesday 15th May 2024: Mathematics papers 1 (arithmetic) & 2 (reasoning)
• Thursday 16th May 2024: Mathematics paper 3 (reasoning)

How are the tests marked, and what do the scores mean?

At Key Stage 2, the SATs papers are marked externally. The mark your child gets in each test is called the raw score (out of 50 for reading, out of 110 for mathematics, and out of 70 for English grammar, punctuation and spelling). This raw score for each test will be translated into a scaled score, which will show how well your child has done against the expected standard.

Children need to achieve a scaled score of 100 to meet the expected standard. Above 100 means they are exceeding the expected standard; below 100 means they are still working towards it. You will receive your child’s raw score and scaled score for each test, as well as confirmation of whether or not they have achieved the expected standard.

Will my child be given a level?

No. The system of levelling related to the previous National Curriculum and has been replaced with standardised scaled scores.

Are there any example questions I can look at?

The Department for Education has produced free sample papers for the KS2 SATs.

You can also find free sample questions on our Free SATs Skills worksheets page.

For more information on each test, check out the information below.

What do the tests involve, and how can I help my child?