SATs are the national tests your child takes at the end of primary school. This guide covers everything you need to know: what the tests involve, how scaled scores work, and what the results actually mean for your child's future.
Last updated: April 2026 · 7 min read
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are national assessments taken by children in England at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6, age 10–11). They were introduced to give a consistent measure of how well pupils have learned the national curriculum in reading, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling, and mathematics.
Historically there were also KS1 SATs (Year 2), but these were replaced by teacher assessment from 2023. When people talk about “SATs” today, they almost always mean the KS2 tests taken in May of Year 6.
SATs serve a dual purpose: they help secondary schools understand each child's academic level, and they are used by the government to hold primary schools accountable for the progress and attainment of their pupils.
Since 2016, SATs results are reported as “scaled scores” rather than levels. The scale runs from 80 to 120 in each subject. Here is what the key thresholds mean:
The expected standard (100) is set each year by the Standards and Testing Agency to ensure consistency across cohorts. A score of 100 does not mean 100% — it means the pupil has met the standard expected of Year 6 pupils nationally.
KS2 SATs consist of six papers spread over four days. Writing is assessed by teachers, not through a formal test paper.
One paper lasting 1 hour. Pupils read a booklet of 3 texts and answer comprehension questions worth 50 marks.
A 45-minute paper testing grammar, punctuation, and vocabulary knowledge. Worth 50 marks.
A short aural test of 20 spellings read aloud by the teacher. Worth 20 marks. Combined with Paper 1 for the GPS scaled score.
A 30-minute paper of calculation questions covering the four operations, fractions, decimals, and percentages. Worth 40 marks.
A 40-minute paper with word problems and multi-step questions. Worth 35 marks.
A second 40-minute reasoning paper, also worth 35 marks. Papers 1-3 are combined for the maths scaled score.
SATs results matter in several ways. For primary schools, the percentage of pupils reaching the expected standard is a key Ofsted and DfE performance indicator. For secondary schools, KS2 results form the baseline used to calculate Progress 8 — the government's main measure of secondary school effectiveness.
Many secondary schools also use SATs scores for initial setting or streaming in Year 7, grouping pupils by ability in subjects like maths and English. Some schools re-test pupils in September to verify the data and adjust groups.
For parents, SATs results provide an objective benchmark of your child's attainment and can help you have informed conversations with their new secondary school about the support or challenge they need.
Schools handle the bulk of SATs preparation through daily teaching. At home, the most effective support is reading regularly together, practising times tables, and working through one or two past papers to build familiarity with the format.
Avoid putting excessive pressure on your child. SATs are primarily a measure of school performance. A calm, well-rested child who has practised will perform to their ability. Encourage them to do their best and reassure them that the results do not define their future.
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are national tests taken by children in England at the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6, age 10-11). They assess reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling (GPS), and mathematics against the national curriculum.
The expected standard is a scaled score of 100 or above. A score of 110 or above is considered 'greater depth' or 'higher standard'. The maximum scaled score is 120 and the minimum is 80.
Not directly for admissions to non-selective state schools. However, grammar schools use separate 11-plus tests. SATs results do feed into secondary school setting/streaming and are used as the baseline for Progress 8 calculations.
There is no pass or fail. Pupils either meet the 'expected standard' (scaled score 100+) or are 'working towards' it. SATs are designed to assess the school's performance as much as the individual child's.
Yes, for state-funded schools in England. Independent schools and schools in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland do not have to administer them. Parents can technically withdraw their child but this is unusual.
KS2 SATs are held over four days in mid-May each year, typically Monday to Thursday in a set week announced by the DfE. Results are usually released to schools in early July.
Schools handle most preparation through classroom teaching. At home, practice papers can help with familiarity. Avoid excessive pressure — SATs are a snapshot, not a life-defining exam. Focus on reading regularly and practising mental arithmetic.
Use SATs results to help you choose the best primary or secondary school: