SATs (Standard Assessment Tests Y2 and Y6)

What are SATs?

SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) measure children’s educational achievement in years 2 and 6 and schools are held to account for the attainment of their pupils and the progress they make.

When do they take place?

In England, children currently take SATs twice in their primary school career:

Key stage 1 SATs

These assessments take place in the May of year 2 (age 7) and test children’s ability in maths and reading (plus an optional test in English grammar, punctuation and spelling). The tests are informal, so they aren’t timed and they take place in a normal classroom situation. From 2023, they will be made non-statutory, so schools will be allowed to choose whether to administer them or not.

Key stage 2 SATs

These assessments take place in the May of year 6 (age 11) and are more formal tests in English (grammar, punctuation, spelling and reading) and maths.