Everything You Need to Know About KS2 SATs 2025 💡

Everything You Need to Know About KS2 SATs Tests 2025: A Complete Guide 

The KS2 SATs are a set of tests taken in Year 6. These tests have been designed to assess pupils' understanding of the Key Stage 2 curriculum, focusing on Maths, Reading, Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS).

 

KS2 SATs 2025 Format and Dates 📅

 When are the KS2 SATs 2025?

The confirmed dates for the KS2 SATs 2025 are from Monday 12th May 2025, to Thursday 15th May 2025.

  • Monday 12th May 2025: Grammar and Punctuation
  • Monday 12th May 2025: Spelling
  • Tuesday 13th May 2025: Reading Paper 
  • Wednesday 14th May 2025: Arithmetic (Maths Paper 1) 
  • Wednesday 14th May 2025: Reasoning (Maths Paper 2)  
  • Thursday 15th May 2025: Reasoning (Maths Paper 3) 

 

The format for the KS2 SATs 2025 will be the same as previous years:

  1. Reading Paper: This will be a comprehension test, containing various texts, with inference, vocabulary, etc., questions. Pupils have 60 minutes to complete the paper.

  2. Maths Paper: Divided into three parts: Arithmetic (30 minutes), and two Reasoning papers (40 minutes each). The arithmetic section focuses on mathematical calculations, while the reasoning papers test problem-solving and understanding of mathematical concepts.

  3. GPS (Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling): This test includes a written paper assessing grammar and punctuation and a separate spelling test. The grammar paper is 45 minutes long, and the spelling test is 20 minutes long.

  4. Science Sampling (selected schools only): Although not taken by all students, a random sample of schools may also conduct a Science test to assess broader scientific knowledge.

 

How to Prepare for KS2 SATs 2025 🎯 

  1. Practice Papers: KS2 practice papers are amongst the best ways. The format and structure of these papers should be as near to the test papers as possible, so children can get used to the type of questions that come.

  2. Focus on Areas of support: Pinpointing areas where children might be struggling and practicing those areas-be it reading comprehension or mental arithmetic can really help.

  3. Regular Practice: Regular practice can help to build up a good level of confidence and familiarity with the style of questions. In this way, stress around the test is minimised.

  4. Parental Support: Encouragement and a positive attitude can help to reduce test anxiety. 

  5. SATs Companion: Our all-in-one platform offers practice and revision in the run up to the tests. SATs Companion is tried and trusted. Find out more about our offering for schools and parents.

 

Understanding SATs Results and Scaled Scores 📈

KS2 SATs results are reported as scaled scores. This means that raw mark or the actual number of marks a pupil receives for a test paper are converted into a scaled score so that the same level of attainment is always given the same scaled score, no matter which particular test version is taken on any given year.  A scaled score of 100 represents the expected standard; in other words, the child at that particular age has achieved the required level of knowledge. Scores above 100 represent above-average performance, and below 100, a child may need further support.

Impact of KS2 SATs on Secondary School Placement 🔎

A common myth that goes around parents is that the results from KS2 SATs directly influence or affect the placement to secondary school. The SATs results are not used for admitting pupils into secondary schools. Some secondary schools may use the results to group pupils into streams to tailor teaching to the needs of each pupil.

 

FAQs ❓

What are KS2 SATs?

KS2 SATs are national tests that all Year 6 pupils in England sit to test knowledge in Maths, Reading, and Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling.

When are the KS2 SATs in 2025?
The KS2 SATs 2025 will start on Monday, May 12th 2025 and end on Thursday, May 15th 2025.

How are SATs results calculated?
SATs results are calculated using a scaled score. A score of 100 means that a child has met the expected standard, while higher scores indicate above-average performance.

What happens if a child doesn’t pass the SATs?
If a child does not meet the expected standard, schools will use the results to offer additional support in areas where the child is struggling.

Can SATs results affect secondary school admission?
No, SATs results do not affect secondary school admissions. 

 

External Links

  1. National Curriculum Guidelines: UK Government National Curriculum Information
  2. SATs Revision Resources: BBC Bitesize Year 6 SATs
  3. Understanding Scaled Scores: Guide to Scaled Scores