The most commonly asked questions about SATs answered...
The Y6 SATs (Year 6 Standard Assessment Tests) are a series of exams that are taken by students in the UK who are in their last year of primary school (Year 6). These exams test students on their knowledge and skills in reading, grammar, punctuation and spelling, maths, and science.
When are the Y6 SATs held?
The Y6 SATs are usually held in May of the academic year.
What is the timetable for the Y6 SATs 2023?
The key stage 2 tests are timetabled from Tuesday 9 May to Friday 12 May 2023.
Tuesday 9 May 2023: English grammar, punctuation and spelling papers 1 and 2
Wednesday 10 May 2023: English reading
Thursday 11 May 2023: Mathematics papers 1 and 2
Friday 12 May 2023: Mathematics paper 3
Are the Y6 SATs compulsory?
Yes, the Y6 SATs are compulsory for all students in the UK who are in Year 6.
How are students assessed in science and writing if they do not sit a SATs test in them?
Writing is now teacher assessed which means that your child's teacher will create a bank of evidence based on their progress in writing. They will complete ongoing formative assessments to help them give an overall judgement of your child's level in writing which will be submitted to the STA in the final school term.
Science is also teacher assessed. Most pupils will NOT sit a test in science. The Science SATs papers for KS2 are administered to a small number of Year 6 pupils who are thought to be representative of the population as a whole. 1,900 schools are selected to take the test, with up to 10 pupils from each school.
What do the SATs test look like?
Take a look at our SATs Samples page for examples of SATs style questions from the different tests.
How do the Y6 SATs affect a student's future?
The Y6 SATs are used to assess a student's progress and to help identify any areas where they may need additional support. The results of the Y6 SATs may also be used to help place students in the appropriate set in secondary schools as well as setting targets for GCSE grading.
Can a student retake the Y6 SATs if they do not do well?
No, the Y6 SATs are only taken once and cannot be retaken.
How do I make sense of my child's results?
The SATs results obtained will let you know if your child has met (AS) or not met (NS) the expected national standard based on their scaled score. Scaled sores are between 80 (minimum) and 120 (maximum). Your child needs to have a scaled score of at least 100 in order to be deemed as working at the expected standard. A scaled score of 80-99 means the child has not achieved the expected standard (NS)A scaled score of 100-120 means the child has achieved the expected standard (AS)
What is 'greater depth' in the Y6 SATs?
Greater depth is the term given to those pupils working at a higher level within the expected standard. Whilst the expected standard for each test is a scaled score of 100-120. Greater depth is considered to be a score of 110-120.
When will we get the results of the SATs?
The Standards and Testing Agency usually release the KS2 SATs results to schools in early July. Schools then have their own systems and procedures to report the results to parents and pupils.
Are there any resources available to help prepare for the Y6 SATs?
Yes, there are many resources out there available to help students prepare for the Y6 SATs, including practice papers, revision guides, and online resources. Please see our Online Shop and SATs in 6 Freebies for recommended resources.
Is it normal for children to feel anxious or stressed about the Y6 SATs?
It is completely normal to feel anxious or stressed about the Y6 SATs and it is therefore important for caregivers to offer support and reassurance to their child in order to help them feel as calm and focused as possible. Please visit our Mindfulness Section for ideas on how to encourage your child to de-stress, refocus and feel positive about themselves.
Do you have any other questions that you would like us to answer? Just drop us an email and we'd be happy to help.
Over the last 10 years, I've hosted a number of parents evenings and Q & A sessions aimed at giving caregivers who would like more information, the answers they need to SATs queries. I've collated the most common questions and answers below. However, if there is a question you have, which has not been answered, feel free to email info@ourlearningcurve.co.uk and I'll do my best to source the information to add to the site.
