It’s that time of year again—the annual SATs guide is here! Parents and teachers in the UK are gearing up for SATs 2025, and we’ve got you covered with all the essential information and tips to assist your child in preparing for the primary KS1 and KS2 exams.
In 2025, Year 6 pupils will take the KS2 SATs, while Year 2 pupils might sit the KS1 SATs. Hence, they’re often called Year 6 SATs and Year 2 SATs, respectively.
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. All students take the SATs twice in their primary school years.
The primary goal of SATs is to assess students’ educational progress at the end of Key Stages 1 & 2.
What Is The Purpose of SATs In the UK?
- The SATs aim to measure a child’s progress at primary school at the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
- Their results indicate the current level of a student’s understanding and abilities in a subject.
- Everyone acknowledges the effectiveness of the SATs as they impact students’ academic careers.
KS1 SATs For Year 2 Students in 2025
KS1 SATs became optional in the UK from the start of the academic year 2023 to 2024. Children may take their KS1 SATs 2025 in Reading and Maths in May.
Additionally, their teacher will assess them on Science, Writing, and Speaking and Listening. However, this assessment, known as the teacher assessment, does not contribute to the official SATs scores or national assessments.
Students can benefit from the multiple comprehensive resources available online. Click here to check out one-to-one SATs lessons with experts.
KS2 SATs For Year 6 Students
KS2 students in primary school take the Year 6 SATs. These tests are formal and are set to take place from Monday, May 12th, to Thursday, May 15th 2025.
Year 6 SATs papers are marked externally in most primary schools in England.
- KS2 SATs English Test includes grammar, punctuation, comprehension and spelling.
- KS2 SATs Maths Test covers arithmetic and mathematical reasoning questions.
Primary school teachers also assess students on writing, speaking, listening, and Science. This teacher assessment allows schools and the government to judge students’ performance in a subject.
READ MORE: Top Trends and Tips For SATs Exams Preparation 2025
When Are KS2 SATs 2025?
The KS2 SATs 2025 schedule is out now!
| DATE | TEST | TIME |
| Monday, 12 May 2025 | Grammar & Punctuation Test | 45 minutes |
| Monday, 12th May 2025 | Spelling Test | 20 minutes |
| Tuesday, 13th May 2025 | English Reading Test | 60 minutes |
| Wednesday, 14th May 2025 | Mathematics Arithmetics (Paper 1) | 30 minutes |
| Wednesday, 14th May 2025 | Mathematics Reasoning (Paper 2) | 40 minutes |
| Thursday, 15th May 2025 | Mathematics Reasoning (Paper 3) | 40 minutes |
What Areas Are Covered In KS1 SATs Papers 2025?
KS1 SATs papers cover different topics of Maths and English.
Key Stage 1 Maths SATs:
There are two papers for the Year 2 Maths SATs exam.
- The first paper covers an arithmetic test of 25 marks and takes around 15 minutes.
- The second paper involves problem-solving, reasoning, and Maths fluency. This paper is 35 minutes long and carries 35 marks. The paper has various question types, including contextual and context-free calculations.
Key Stage 1 English SATs:
Year 2 English SATs papers focus on grammar, punctuation and spelling.
- The first paper covers a 15-minute long spelling test carrying 20 marks.
- The second KS1 English SATs paper involves punctuation, grammar and vocabulary and comes with two sections of 10 minutes each. The total marks are 20.
Key Stage 1 SATs Reading:
There are also two papers for SATs reading.
- The first paper consists of different texts with 400 to 700 words. Students need to solve questions placed throughout.
- The second paper covers a reading booklet with multiple passages.
For more effective preparation, read SATs revision guide to help your child do well in exams.
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What Areas Are Covered In KS2 SATs Papers In the UK?
Like KS1 SATs, Key Stage 2 test papers also focus on Maths and English.
- English Reading
- English Grammar
- Punctuation
- Spelling
- Maths
By employing teacher assessment, schools and the government can assess a child’s performance in a subject over a longer period. It means that teachers are able to take into account a child’s entire knowledge and ability in a subject rather than just what is evident in a test environment.
Key Stage 2 Maths SATs:
- The first paper covers arithmetic questions for students to solve the given calculation. It lasts for 30 minutes.
- The second and third KS2 Maths SATs papers cover various questions, including MCQs, True or False and some analytical questions.
Key Stage 2 English SATs:
- The KS2 SATs English test papers cover spelling, grammar and punctuation. It lasts for 45 minutes.
- Moreover, it includes an aural spelling test of 20 words, which takes roughly 20 minutes.
KS2 SATs Reading:
- Students have only 1 hour to answer the KS2 SAT Reading test questions, covering three texts or passages.
If your child is to appear in Year 2 or Year 6 SATs, check out top tips for online SATs exam preparation with specialist tutors.
Explaining SATs Scores 2025
As explained earlier, KS1 SATs do not have external markings; they are just a way to assess a pupil’s progress. However, most schools send KS2 SATs for external marking, and students get the results in a few days.
Your child will get a detailed report of SATs scores, explaining the following:
- Raw Score
This score indicates the actual marks students get in their SATs exams. - Scaled Score
It is simply the conversion score, making the year-on-year comparison of results. - Expected Standard
It tells whether the pupils have achieved the national standard or not.
What’s a Good SATs score in 2025?
- A score below 100 means students have not achieved the expected standard.
- A score between 100 and 109 means students have achieved the expected standard.
- Scoring 110 or over means students have exceeded the expected standard.
When Will the KS2 SATs 2025 Results Come Out?
- Your child’s schools can view the KS2 results online from Tuesday, 8 July 2025.
- Parents and children will receive SATs results at the end of the summer term.
How Can We Help Your Child Prepare For SATs 2025?
Preparing for 2025 KS1 and KS2 SATs comes with challenges, but none for our specialist online SATs tutors. We offer additional preparation in online SATs tuition for KS1 and KS2.
Here’s 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 highly qualified SATs tutors 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.
How to Help Your Child Overcome SATs Anxiety?
It’s normal for children to experience exam anxiety. Here’s 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.
Is There Anything New in SATs 2025?
There are NO significant changes in SATs 2025.
- This year, SATs will also be completely digital.
- There are no changes in exam format and question types.
- No essay section is included in the exam.
At Adnan Khan Tutoring, we focus on building a positive attitude in students that helps them deal with exam stress. Our SATs Year 2 and Year 6 practice tests cover all lessons and topics your child must revise for the exams. We hope this blog explains what SATs papers are and how to prepare for them in the UK.Get in touch with us for more SATs preparation guidance!
