Grammar test questions: Pupils are given an answer booklet with a range of different types of English grammar and punctuation questions.

Pupils must read the questions carefully in order to be able to answer them in the correct way. As the sample questions show, your child may be asked to underline words, tick their answers, circle them, join lines between two sections or write their own answers or sentences.

English grammar, punctuation and spelling SATs

In 2023 the SATs English grammar, punctuation and spelling test takes place on Tuesday 9th May and consists of two parts: a grammar and punctuation paper requiring short answers, lasting 45 minutes, and an aural spelling test of 20 words, lasting around 15 minutes.

The SPAG test includes questions that assess the following elements of the English curriculum:

Sentence grammar: through both identifying and writing sentences that are grammatically correct.

Punctuation: through identifying and writing sentences that are correctly punctuated.

Vocabulary: through identifying and writing sentences in which a word is used correctly.

Spelling: 20 words delivered by the adult administering the test.

Spelling test format: Pupils are given an answer booklet with sentences to give context to the words they have to spell. The adult administering the test will say the word in context and then repeat it to give pupils time to write down their answer.

Types of questions in the Y6 English grammar, punctuation and spelling SATs

Reading SAT

In 2023 the SATs reading test takes place on Wednesday 10th May and takes 60 minutes to complete, including reading time, with a total of 50 marks available.

The questions are designed to assess your child’s reading comprehension, and are linked closely to the national curriculum.Your child will be given three texts to read, with a set of questions to answer about each.

Students must use the information in the texts to answer the questions. Some questions will include a page reference so your child knows which page of text will contain the answer they are looking for.

The three texts are each likely to be in different subjects. Students should read one text and answer the questions about it, before moving on to read the next text.

Instructions for taking the test itself and reminders about the types of answers required are always provided by staff administering the tests before they begin.

Types of questions in the Y6 Reading SAT

Short answers: Your child may be asked to find and retrieve information in the text and provide short answers. These types of questions are usually worth 1 mark.

Tables: Sometimes pupils are asked to complete tables by ticking boxes or adding their own information found in the text. They are often worth 2 or 3 marks and pupils can gain 1 mark even if they complete some of the table inaccurately.

Multiple choice: Your child may be asked to select the correct answer in a multiple choice question. Take care! The options are usually very similar and pupils should think carefully about which answer actually answers the question.

Longer answers: Pupils may be asked to complete longer questions for 3 marks. They often require pupils to use their own inference, search out evidence from the text and answering them usually requires more thought and time.

Mathematics Paper 1: Arithmetic SAT

In 2023 the SATs Maths Paper 1 Arithmetic test takes place on Thursday 11th May and takes 30 minutes to complete.

The Arithmetic paper in the Year 6 SATs, is one of three separate papers that make up the Year 6 Maths SATs. Paper 1 is an Arithmetic paper whilst Paper 2 & 3 are Reasoning papers. The arithmetic paper mainly tests skills in calculations, fractions, decimals & percentages.

The chart below shows the percentage of different types of questions appearing on last year's arithmetic test.

Types of questions in the Y6 Arithmetic SAT

1 mark questions: Most questions in the arithmetic paper focus are worth 1 mark each. The questions include space for any jottings or working out.

2 mark questions: Pupils may be asked to complete more complex questions worth 2 marks. For these questions it is important that pupils show their working out as even if they don't get the answer correct, they may still receive a mark for choosing the correct method.

Mathematics Papers 2 & 3: Reasoning SATs

In 2023 the SATs Mathematics Paper 2: Reasoning test takes place on Thursday 11th May and takes 40 minutes to complete. The Mathematics Paper 3: Reasoning test takes place on Friday 12th May and also takes 40 minutes to complete.

The reasoning papers are designed to assess a child’s ability in fluency, reasoning and problem-solving. This means that they can select and apply mathematical skills to solve a problem accurately, effectively and independently.

It is almost impossible to say what questions will come up on the reasoning papers but generally the same types of questions come up yearly. Styles of questions are as follows, but not limited to: single and multi-step problems; fill in missing values; ordering & sequencing; inverse; tick one; draw; explain how; true or false; reading graphs; completing tables; visualising; measurement and reading scales.

To become more confident at solving reasoning question, pupils need lots of experience in looking at the different types of questions and time to apply what they've learned to them.

Types of questions in the Y6 Mathematics Reasoning SATs

The reasoning papers include a wide variety of question types designed to encourage pupils to apply their mathematical understanding. Questions are worth 1 or two marks, therefore pupils should be encouraged to show their working out.