KS2 SATs Explained
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are taken by Year 6 pupils in England. This guide explains what they test, how results work, and what they mean for primary schools.
What are KS2 SATs?
KS2 SATs are national tests taken by pupils at the end of primary school (Year 6, age 10-11). They assess what children have learned in Reading, Maths, and Grammar/Punctuation/Spelling. Writing is assessed by teachers, not an external test.
The tests take place over one week in May, with results published in July. Schools use aggregate SATs results to demonstrate how well they prepare pupils for secondary school.
Important: SATs measure school performance as well as individual progress. A primary school with consistently high SATs results is likely providing quality education.
What's Tested
Reading (1 paper, 1 hour)
Pupils read texts and answer questions testing comprehension, inference, and vocabulary. Texts include fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
Maths (3 papers, 110 minutes total)
Paper 1: Arithmetic (30 mins) – calculations without a calculator
Papers 2 & 3: Reasoning (40 mins each) – problem solving and applying maths
Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling (2 papers, 45 mins)
Paper 1: Grammar and punctuation questions (45 mins)
Paper 2: Spelling test (20 words, approx. 15 mins)
Writing (Teacher Assessment)
Writing is not externally tested. Teachers assess pupils against a framework throughout the year and award a standard: Working Towards, Expected, or Greater Depth.
Understanding Results
Test results are reported as "scaled scores" ranging from 80 to 120:
National benchmarks: Typically 60-65% of pupils meet expected standard in combined Reading, Writing, and Maths (RWM). About 10-15% achieve higher standard in all three subjects.
How Schools Report Results
Primary schools publish several key metrics based on SATs:
- %% Meeting Expected Standard – the percentage of pupils achieving scaled score of 100+ in each subject and combined RWM.
- %% Achieving Higher Standard – the percentage reaching scaled score of 110+ (greater depth).
- +/-Progress Scores – how much progress pupils made from KS1 (age 7) to KS2 (age 11), compared to similar pupils nationally. Above 0 = better than average.
Progress scores matter: Like Progress 8 for secondary schools, KS2 progress scores show what the school adds, not just the intake ability. A school in a disadvantaged area with positive progress scores is doing excellent work.
Using SATs to Compare Primary Schools
- 1Look at progress scores, not just attainment. High attainment might reflect the intake, while progress shows teaching quality.
- 2Check trends over 3+ years. One cohort can be an outlier. Consistent results indicate stable teaching quality.
- 3Consider all subjects. A school might excel in Maths but underperform in Reading, or vice versa.
- 4Compare with local and national averages. Classpot shows how schools rank within their local authority and nationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do children take KS2 SATs?
SATs are taken in May of Year 6, when children are 10-11 years old. The tests take place over a week, with specific tests on set days. Results are released in July.
What is a good KS2 SATs score?
A scaled score of 100+ means "expected standard". Scores of 110+ are "higher standard" (greater depth). The maximum is 120. Nationally, about 60-65% meet expected standard in combined RWM.
Do SATs affect secondary school admission?
For most secondary schools, no – admission is based on distance and siblings, not SATs. However, grammar schools use their own tests. SATs results are used to set ability groups in Year 7.
Compare primary school results
Use Classpot to find and compare primary schools by their KS2 results and progress scores.
Browse Primary Schools