End of KS2 Assessments - SATS

SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are tests taken to assess the progress of a child’s learning. At primary schools, SATs tests are taken in Year 2 and Year 6. Year 6 SATs, which take place in May every year.

SATs allow teachers to learn more about the strengths and weaknesses of each child in their class. Plus, the assessments also allow teachers to compare each child with other children in their class and with their peers across the country.

In addition, SATs are also useful for assessing the progress of a child as they move from one Key Stage to another (hence why they happen at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2).

Also, SATs are also used by local authorities and the Department for Education to identify schools that are struggling or performing well.

Formal tests are taken in the following areas:

• English reading

• English spelling, punctuation and grammer

• Mathematics

English writing is assessed internally by the class teachers who use a idea range of work that the children have produced towards the end of KS2. 

The tests are taken in May, whilst the writing is assess throughout the entire year.

The formal SATs test are sent off and externally marked.  Results are then returned to the school, usually towards the start of July, and then we will report these results to the parents, as well as nationally.

Closer to the time, we will hold a special meeting for parents to go through exactly what is involved with the SATs testing and how it will affect your child.  There will be opportunities to see past papers and ask any questions you have.  If you have any questions in the meantime, please speak to a member of the Year 6 team who will be more than happy to help you.

As a parent there’s a lot you can do to help your child prepare for their tests before the SATs test dates come around in May. As well as helping them complete their homework throughout the year, you can help your child revise for their SATs as it gets closer to Year 6 SATs week. Helping them revise little and often is much better than stressing them out with long revision sessions.

It’s important to make sure that you don’t place too much pressure on your child. The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your child will be, which means they are likely to perform better during SATs week.

We also offer a SATs Easter school, which is a fun, engaging and interactive way of revising for the SATs.

Top 10 Preparation Tips

1. Your attitude and consistency will define how well things go

2. Schedule time: have a set time for work to happen

3. Reward attitude and effort, not results

4. Be patient: children will learn and do better with patience

5. Be positive, smile and have fun

6. Create a good environment away from distractions

7. Be well equipped: be sure to have books, paper and pens

8. Bed times: a child who has slept properly will do better

9. A good start in the morning: make sure you're not in a rush

10. Screen time adjustments: ensure screens aren't a problem