The End of Key Stage 2 (KS2) National Curriculum Tests – also known as SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) – are assessments taken by pupils in England during their final year of primary school (Year 6, typically age 10–11). These tests serve several purposes and hold significance for various stakeholders, including students, teachers, schools, and policymakers.
The End of KS2 National Curriculum Tests (SATs) test pupils in core subjects:
These tests measure whether pupils meet the expected standard for their age group and provide insight into their readiness for secondary education. Children sit the tests under exam conditions and to a specific timeframe. There is only one opportunity to sit the test. Teacher Assessment and Test results might differ. Teacher Assessments validate what a child can do under typical learning conditions – the test measure performance in exam conditions. Schools submit Teacher Assessments to the DfE and share them with secondary schools.
For 2025, there are no English Writing or Science tests – these will be assessed by you child’s class teacher based on the outcomes they produce in lessons.
Parents gain an understanding of their child’s academic performance and how it compares to national expectations. Parents are strongly advised to link Teacher Assessments with the test results as the test is a snapshot of a child’s performance on a given day. Teacher Assessments are holistic in consideration of the whole primary curriculum and age-related expectations.
If you, as a parent or carer, have any queries regarding the Year 6 SATs, please contact your child’s class teacher.
For certain children with a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND), there may be Access Arrangements which the school can implement during the test to support them. These Access Arrangements mirror usual classroom practice, and could include aspects such as scribes, transcribes, extra time or taking the test in a smaller group.
For pupils who do not meet the expected standards, the results highlight areas where additional support might be needed. Test results must always be aligned with Teacher Assessments that evidence a pupil’s knowledge and understanding in non-test conditions.
KS2 SATs results help secondary schools:
Secondary schools are always informed of Teacher Assessment results to influence appropriate groupings.
The experience of taking KS2 SATs familiarises pupils with formal testing conditions, which is valuable for future exams like GCSEs.
