If your child is in primary school in the UK, you have likely heard about SATs — but many parents are unsure what they are, how important they are, and whether preparation is necessary.

This guide answers every major question parents search for — clearly, practically, and with professional insight on primary KS1 and KS2 exams.

What Are SATs in the UK?

SATs are standard assessment tests taken by primary school pupils in England, particularly by children in Year 2 and Year 6 during May. 

These SATs assess how well children have understood core subjects before moving into the next stage of their education.

SATs include:

• KS1 assessments in Year 2
  
• KS2 national tests in Year 6
  

While both measure academic progress, they differ significantly in structure, grading, and impact.

What Is The Purpose of SATs In the UK?

The purpose of SATs in Year 2 and Year 6 is to assess whether pupils are meeting age-related expectations in the national curriculum of Maths and English.

They help:

• Identify strengths and learning gaps
  
• Prepare children for the next educational stage
  
• Provide schools with academic progress data
  
• Support planning for targeted intervention
  

SATs are not designed to pressure pupils — they are intended to measure learning progress.

What Are KS1 SATs (Year 2 SATs)?

KS1 SATs are assessments taken at the end of Year 2 in May to measure early literacy and numeracy development.

Unlike Year 6 SATs, these are no longer formal externally marked tests. Instead, teachers assess pupils using classroom work and optional test materials.

KS1 assessments focus on foundational academic skills rather than exam performance. Students can benefit from the multiple comprehensive resources available online. Click here to check out one-to-one SATs lessons with experts.

Are Year 2 SATs Still Compulsory?

Year 2 SATs are no longer statutory national tests in the same format as before.

Schools now use teacher assessment frameworks supported by optional papers.

Children do not sit formal exam-style tests under strict conditions.

What Subjects Are Assessed in KS1 SATs?

Year 2 SATs cover:

• Reading
  
• Writing
  
• Maths
  
• Science (teacher assessment only)
  

The focus is on phonics, reading fluency, basic arithmetic, and sentence construction.

Strong foundations at this stage significantly influence later academic confidence. At Adnan Khan Tutoring, we have a 90% above success rate in Year 2 SATs as we offer one-to-one group tuition to help students prepare for KS1 SATs Maths and English.

How Are Year 2 SATs Graded?

Year 2 SATs are assessed through teacher judgement.

Pupils are reported as:

• Working towards the expected standard
  
• Working at the expected standard
  
• Working at greater depth
  

There are no scaled scores at KS1 SATs.

Why Are Year 2 SATs Important?

Yes, SATs in Year 2 are important as they help in early identification of learning gaps rather than exam performance.

KS1 assessments help teachers:

• Detect literacy or numeracy challenges early
  
• Plan additional support
  
• Strengthen academic foundations before Key Stage 2
  

In my professional experience of over 25 years, early intervention at Year 2 often prevents greater difficulties in Year 5 and Year 6.

Key Stage 2 SATs Practice Tests

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When Do Year 6 Children Sit Their SATs?

Year 6 SATs take place nationally in May, typically during the second week of the month.

All primary schools follow the same timetable.

Preparation ideally begins several months before the exam window to ensure steady progress.

How Are KS2 SATs Graded?

KS2 SATs use scaled scores.

• 100 = Expected national standard
  
• Below 100 = Working towards
  
• Above 100 = Higher attainment
  

Scaled scores usually range between 80 and 120.

Raw marks are converted to scaled scores to maintain fairness each year.

How Does SATs Grading Actually Work?

Each test has a raw score (total marks achieved). 

That raw score is converted into a scaled score to ensure consistency even if one year’s paper is slightly harder.

Parents should focus on whether their child meets or exceeds 100, rather than percentages alone.

Are Year 6 SATs Important?

Yes — Year 6 SATs are important because they act as a benchmark before secondary school.

Although they do not affect school admissions, they often influence:

• Academic placements in Year 7
  
• Identification of additional support
  
• Confidence entering secondary school
  

Well-prepared pupils transition more smoothly.

How Do Secondary Schools Use SATs Results?

Secondary schools commonly use Year 6 SATs results to:

• Group pupils by ability
  
• Identify support requirements
  
• Track academic progress
  

Strong results can place pupils in higher starting sets and our tutors know how to prepare students to help them achieve their goals for secondary school placements.

How Many Months Before SATs Should Revision Begin?

Year 6 SATs Revision should ideally begin 4–6 months before exams.

Starting early:

• Reduces pressure
  
• Allows gradual topic coverage
  
• Provides time for mock practice
  

Short, consistent sessions are more effective than last-minute cramming. That is why we offer online tutoring for Year 6 SATs Maths and English in one-to-one or group options. In fact, to help students with revision before exams, we offer an intensive  Year 6 SATs easter revision course that runs during the holidays.

Is Tutoring Worth It for SATs Preparation?

SATs tutoring can be highly effective when a child has specific academic gaps or lacks confidence in KS2 Maths and English.

Structured Year 6 SATs exam preparation allows:

• Diagnostic assessment
  
• Targeted topic revision
  
• Timed mock exam practice
  
• Personalised feedback
  

In my experience, personalised support significantly improves scaled score outcomes and exam confidence. Last year, Adnan Khan Tutoring helped 193 students achieve a scaled score of 100 or more through our online tuition and SATs exam practice.

How Should My Child Study for SATs?

Effective KS2 SATs practice includes:

• Regular arithmetic drills
  
• Timed reading comprehension practice
  
• Grammar exercises
  
• Solving past papers and worksheets
  

We follow a structured plan tailored to the individual requirements and goals of students enrolled in our online Year 6 SATs tuition.

When Will the KS2 SATs 2026 Results Come Out?

• Your child’s schools can view the KS2 results online July 2026.
• Parents and children will receive SATs results at the end of the summer term.

How Do You Revise for SATs Without Causing Stress?

It is normal for children to experience exam anxiety. Here is how you can help your child overcome exam anxiety and perform their best. 

• Create an effective study plan for your child so they prepare effectively for the SATs exam and avoid last-minute cramming, which causes stress.
• Encourage your child to take regular breaks while studying.
• Ensure that your child takes proper rest during SATs preparation. A well-rested brain performs better in the SATs exam.
• Celebrate your child’s small wins.

What Happens If My Child Misses Year 6 SATs?

If a child misses SATs due to illness, schools may apply for special consideration. Teacher assessment data is used where necessary. Missing SATs does not prevent progression to secondary school.

Where Can I Find Official SATs Practice Papers?

Official SATs practice papers are available on GOV.UK and through reputable educational publishers. We also use official-format papers to ensure realistic SATs preparation.

Can I Buy SATs Practice Papers Online?

Yes, many educational websites sell SATs practice materials and resources. However, quality varies. Materials should align with the current national curriculum.

What Are the Best Online Platforms for SATs Preparation?

The best online platforms for SATs preparation are BBC Bitesize, Twinkl, and SATs Papers Guide, offering curriculum-aligned lessons, worksheets, and official practice papers to help children revise effectively.

How Can I Register My Child for SATs?

Parents do not need to register children. Primary schools automatically enter eligible pupils for both KS1 assessments and KS2 SATs.

How Can We Help Your Child Prepare For SATs 2026?

We help your child prepare for KS1 and KS2 SATs 2026 with personalised one-to-one and group tuition, tailored revision plans, practice tests, and expert guidance to boost confidence and exam performance.

Here is what you get through our SATs preparation for Year 2 and Year 6.

1. Live One-to-Once Classes

• We offer live one-to-one and small group SATs tutoring classes, in which tutors cover all Reading, Maths and English SATs test papers for KS1 and KS2. 
• Our SATs tutors are qualified primary teachers who assess your child’s strengths and weaknesses, and then create a personalised plan tailored to their needs.
• This personalised approach boosts your child’s confidence and helps them achieve top grades in SATs exams.

2. Effective Revision Plans

• Effective revision is the key to success in the SATs exam.
• Our tutors create a SATs revision plan covering different aspects and tailored lessons for your child’s learning needs. 

3. Practice Tests and Quizzes

• Online SATs practice tests and quizzes are provided to students preparing for primary school assessment tests. It allows students to practise different types of questions. 
• Practice tests and quizzes help your child prepare effectively for the SATs exam.

4. Immediate Feedback

• We understand how concerned parents are for their child’s SATs preparation.
• We keep you updated through regular feedback reports and personalised calls. Parents can easily view their child’s practice test scores on the live dashboard.

Final Advice from Adnan Khan

After more than two decades in education, I can confidently say: SATs are not about pressure — they are about preparation and progress.

At Adnan Khan Tutoring, we provide personalised SATs tuition, tailored revision plans, and expert guidance to build confidence and achieve results. From KS1 to KS2, our one-to-one lessons, small group classes, and Easter courses ensure structured, stress-free, and effective SATs preparation.

Book a consultation today and see how our expert tutors can make SATs preparation effective, stress-free, and rewarding.