In May of Year 6, children in most state primary schools in England sit the key stage 2 national curriculum tests, usually called SATs. They can feel like a big moment for families, so it helps to know what they are, how they are reported and how to support your child without adding pressure.
What is tested
- English reading: one paper with passages and questions.
- Maths: an arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers.
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS): a grammar and punctuation paper and a spelling test.
Writing is assessed by the teacher through the year rather than by a test, and science is assessed by teachers, with a sample of schools taking tests.
How results work
Raw marks are converted into scaled scores so that results are comparable from year to year. A score of 100 shows a child has met the expected standard. The scores are on a limited scale, so a result is best seen as a broad picture of where your child is, not a precise ranking.
Schools report results to parents in the summer, in July. Writing and science results are reported as teacher assessments.
Do SATs matter?
They matter for the school, because results feed into school measures, and they give secondary schools some information about new pupils. They do not decide which secondary school your child attends. Admissions follow the local authority's rules (see school admissions in England). Selective schools such as grammar schools use their own entrance tests, not SATs.
For most children, a calm, confident approach is best. A child who has enjoyed Year 6 and has a good grasp of the basics will usually do well.
How to support your child
- Keep it low-key. Talk about the tests as a chance to show what they have learned.
- Read together every day, and talk about what you read. Reading is the foundation of every paper.
- Practise key maths facts, especially times tables and mental arithmetic, so they are quick and confident.
- Do a few practice papers so the format feels familiar, and review mistakes together.
- Protect sleep and routine in the weeks around the tests.
- Ask the teacher where your child needs most help.
Beyond SATs
The real value of Year 6 is the step up to secondary school. Strong reading, number fluency and the habit of independent work set children up for Year 7. See our primary tutoring for help with the foundations, or read about private tutoring more widely.
