In England, National Curriculum tests or SATs are compulsory for all 11 year olds. They are completed in May each academic year.

What are SATs?

SATs is short for Standard Assessment Tests.  They are designed to help parents and teachers learn more about their child’s strengths and weaknesses in Reading, Maths, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation.  Children are tested on what they have been learning at school and to assess the new national curriculum.

At the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2), children will be assessed on English grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS), Maths and Reading. These tests are no longer compulsory as of 2023.

Phonic knowledge will continue to be assessed with the Phonics Screening. Children's multiplication will also be tested in Year 4. 

END OF KEY STAGE 1 TESTS 

Throughout Year 6, your child will have the opportunity to practise answering the types of questions they may be presented with during a test using model papers.

Teacher assessment is used to judge children's performance in a subject over a longer period of time.  The results of teacher assessment are equally important, as a teacher may feel your child is doing better in a subject as a whole than in the parts of it covered by a test.

More information is available on the DfE website.

When do SATs tests take place?

Key Stage 2 SATs are always in May.  This year the formal tests will take place during the week beginning 13th May 2024 until the 16th May 2024.

Your child’s class teacher will continue to assess your child’s progress and attainment throughout the year.

When will you know how well your child has done?

This information is sent out to parents in your child’s report at the end of the school year.

In addition, you will receive regular updates about your child’s progress throughout the school year.  You are very welcome to seek updates from your child’s class teacher throughout the year.

What level should my child achieve?

The move to scaled scores rather than levels will be implemented from 2016.  Scaled scores are used all over the world.  The score 100 will always represent the ‘national standard’ – the expected attainment.  Therefore we are aiming for all pupils to achieve a score of 100+.

How can I help my child at home?

• It is important to be calm and relaxed about SATs.  The more you worry, the more anxious your child will become.
• Regular attendance and arriving at school on time.
• Completion of homework.
• Read regularly with your child.
• Appropriate bedtimes help your child have a good night’s sleep and they are ready to learn the following day.
• Attend parents evening and information sessions.
• Speak to your child’s class teacher if you have any concerns.