SATs are just around the corner, and it’s essential to stay updated with accurate exam information. Year 2 and Year 6 pupils in England take KS1 and KS2 SATs to measure their academic progress in primary school.
For parents aiming to support their children, the 2025 SATs guide is crucial to stay informed about the updated curriculum and exam guidelines. With the official SATs 2025 dates announced, now is the time to plan effectively.
SATs Guidance 2025: What Are KS1 and KS2?
Key Stage 1 (KS1) includes Years 1 and 2 in the UK education system, while Key Stage 2 (KS2) encompasses Years 3, 4, 5, and 6 of primary school. SATs exams are taken at the end of both key stages to evaluate pupils’ understanding and proficiency in core subjects like Maths and English.
For tailored support, Adnan Khan Tutoring provides exclusive online SATs tuition across the UK, delivering proven results through expert guidance and structured learning programmes. We have expert tutors who can help your child prepare for SATs 2025 with one-to-one support.
Key Stage 1 SATs Changes 2025: What You Need to Know
KS1 SATs are typically taken by children at the end of Year 2 to assess their abilities in key areas, including:
- Reading
- Maths
- English punctuation, spelling, grammar or the selective papers that some schools use
However, a significant change was made in 2025: KS1 SATs became non-statutory. This means schools now have the option to decide whether to administer these tests.
To help students stay updated with these changes and prepare effectively, Adnan Khan Tutoring offers online SATs tuition covering all SATs content, with a focus on simplifying complex topics and building confidence.
Let’s discuss each KS1 SATs paper in detail.
KS1 Reading
What Does the KS1 Reading Test Include?
The KS1 SATs reading test consists of two papers designed to evaluate pupils’ reading comprehension skills:
- Paper 1: A selection of texts (400 to 700 words) with questions provided alongside the text.
- Paper 2: A reading booklet with passages ranging from 800 to 1100 words. Students answer questions directly in the booklet.
Each paper contributes 50% of the total marks and is typically completed in 30 minutes. The texts cover a variety of genres, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of reading abilities.
KS1 Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation
What Is Included in the KS1 Grammar, Spelling, and Punctuation Test?
The KS1 SATs grammar, spelling, and punctuation test is divided into two separate papers:
- Paper 1: A spelling test consisting of 20 words, worth 20 marks, and typically completed in 15 minutes.
- Paper 2: Includes two sections, each taking approximately 10 minutes to complete. This paper features multiple-choice questions and short-answer tasks, also worth 20 marks.
Together, these papers assess students’ knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills in a structured and manageable format.
What types of questions does it involve?
- MCQs
- Ranking or ordering of the events
- Matching the characters with their roles in the story
- Labelling
- Find and copy
- Short answer and
- Open-ended questions
KS1 Maths Paper
What Is Included in the KS1 Maths SATs Test?
The KS1 Maths SATs test for Year 2 pupils consists of two papers:
- Paper 1: Focuses on arithmetic, containing questions worth 25 marks. This paper typically takes 15 minutes to complete.
- Paper 2: Assesses maths fluency, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It includes question types such as multiple-choice, true/false, and matching tasks. This paper is worth 35 marks and takes approximately 35 minutes.
Children are not allowed to use calculators or other tools during these tests, ensuring a fair assessment of their mathematical abilities.
Although KS1 SATs are no longer mandatory from 2024, schools can choose to administer them. For more information on the purpose, format, and use of results, visit KS1 and KS2 SATs information, which provides comprehensive SATs guidance 2025 for parents and schools.
When will the Key Stage 1 SATs 2025 take place?
Year 2 SATs in the UK are scheduled for May 2025. Unlike KS2 SATs, schools have flexibility in setting their timetable for KS1 tests, meaning they can administer the tests according to their own schedule.
Who Marks the KS1 SATs Papers?
KS1 SATs papers are marked by school teachers, who assign each child a scaled score. This scaled score converts the raw marks into a standardised result to measure performance consistently.
How Are KS1 SATs Scores Explained?
The scaled score works as follows:
- A score of 100 indicates the child is performing at the expected standard.
- A score below 100 means the child needs improvement.
A score above 100 suggests the child is working above the expected level for their age.
Key Stage 2 SATs 2025: Updated Guidance for Parents
Key Stage 2 (KS2) SATs are national curriculum tests taken by Year 6 students in the UK. These tests are scheduled for May 2025, specifically from 12th May to 15th May.
To ensure thorough preparation, Adnan Khan Tutoring offers online SATs tuition that covers the entire national primary curriculum. We also provide live SATs classes led by experienced tutors, helping Year 6 students excel in their SATs.
When are the KS2 SATs 2025?
Following are the announced dates for KS2 SATs week 2025.
Monday 12th May 2025:
- Spelling, punctuation, and grammar (Grammar/Punctuation Test) – 45 minutes
Monday 12th May 2025:
- Spelling, punctuation, and grammar (Spelling Test) – 20 minutes
Tuesday 13th May 2025:
- Reading Paper (English) – 60 minutes
Wednesday 14th May 2025:
- Maths Paper 1 (Arithmetic) – 30 minutes
Wednesday 14th May 2025:
- Maths Paper 2 (Reasoning) – 40 minutes
Thursday 15th May 2025:
- Maths Paper 3 (Reasoning) – 40 minutes
When Do Parents Get KS2 SATs Results 2025?
KS2 SATs results will come out in July 2025. Schools will receive both raw and scaled scores for each student, along with a report indicating whether the pupil has met the expected standard for their age.
What Does Your Child Need to Prepare for KS2 SATs Papers?
For optimal KS2 SATs preparation, your child will benefit from regular practice and expert feedback. Adnan Khan Tutoring offers online SATs tuition that covers the entire syllabus, focusing on key areas to ensure comprehensive learning.
Our experienced SATs teachers provide personalised guidance with expert tips for effective SATs preparation, helping students practise each paper and revise all topics thoroughly.
What Is Covered in the KS2 Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling Test?
The KS2 Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling test consists of two parts:
- Part 1: A 45-minute test focusing on grammar and punctuation, with both selected response and constructed response questions.
- Part 2: A 15-minute spelling test consisting of 20 words to assess spelling accuracy.
This test evaluates students’ ability to use grammar, punctuation, and spelling correctly, which are essential skills for their academic progress.
What Is Covered in the KS2 Reading Test?
The KS2 Reading Test consists of three text passages on a single paper, with students given one hour to complete it. The types of questions covered in the test include:
- Ranking or ordering events in the given story
- Labeling specific sections of the text
- “Find and copy” questions
- Short constructed response questions
- Open-ended response questions that require an explanation
These question types assess students’ comprehension and ability to analyse texts in depth.
What Is Covered in the KS2 Maths Test?
The KS2 Maths SATs consist of three papers:
- Paper 1: Focuses on arithmetic, consisting of fixed-response questions, and lasts for 30 minutes.
- Papers 2 and 3: Focus on reasoning questions, with 40 minutes allocated for each paper. These papers include a variety of question types, such as:
- Multiple-choice (MCQs)
- True/False
- Constrained questions
- Less constrained questions
These tests evaluate students’ ability to perform arithmetic and apply mathematical reasoning to different problem-solving scenarios.
How to Prepare Your Child for KS1 and KS2 SATs 2025
As a parent, you can play a significant role in helping your child prepare and revise for KS1 and KS2 SATs. Here’s how to prepare your child for 2025 SATs exams.
1. Provide Exam Resources
Make sure your child has comprehensive SATs exams resources for effective 2025 SATs exam preparation. You can access plenty of free exam resources online such as:
- Practice Tests
- Revision Aids
- Exam Guides
- Familiarisation Tests
- Practice Papers
2. Make SATs Preparation Fun and Engaging
Children learn and retain information better when they’re enjoying the learning process. Make your child’s SATs revision 2025 engaging and fun using resources such as:
- Flashcards
- Video Tutorials
- Fun games
3. Encourage Regular Breaks
Incorporating breaks into the revision schedule is crucial to prevent your child from feeling exhausted and losing interest in studying.
Arrange quick breaks, serve them a snack, take them on a quick stroll, or plan other activities to keep the SAT revision process dynamic and effective.
4. Utilise Past Papers
Past papers are among the most beneficial and useful resources for the SATs 2025 exam preparation. They familiarise your child with the exam format and question types.
You can easily access past papers on different websites. Make your child attempt the past paper under timed conditions to prepare effectively for the 2025 SATs exam.
Your Comprehensive SATs Guide for 2025
This guide has provided everything you need to know about SATs 2025, from subject content to the exam format. If you need more exam tips, one-to-one lessons, or expert guidance, feel free to reach out to us. Our team is here to support your child’s SATs preparation and help them succeed.
