I have put together this guide to help you navigate the Year 6 SATs. It includes information on what the SATs are, when they take place, how to prepare, how to manage exam stress, and what to do if your child is struggling with any key areas. In recent years, the SATs have become a point of stress for children, parents, and teachers, but it does not need to be this way!
What are the Year 6 SATs?
The Year 6 SATs are the national curriculum tests for Key Stage 2 (KS2). They are used to measure student performance and to ensure children have the support they need as they move into Secondary School. Year 6 SATs results do not affect admission to secondary school. Secondary school places are confirmed around March 1st, well before SATs results are released in June, making it impossible for the tests to influence admissions decisions. As the tests represent only one measure of ability, schools also consider teacher assessments, individual strengths, and overall progress.
In addition to English and Maths, there is also a statutory science assessment in Year 6. This isn’t a formal test like the others- teachers assess your child’s science understanding based on their classroom work throughout the year. The results are included in your end-of-year report and contribute to your child’s overall attainment profile.
When do the Year 6 SATs take place?
The year 6 SATs take place in May of each year, over 4 days.
The upcoming Year 6 SATs will be held from Monday, 11 May to Thursday, 14 May 2026:
- Monday 11 May: English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling Papers 1 and 2
- Tuesday 12 May: English Reading
- Wednesday 13 May: Mathematics Papers 1 and 2
- Thursday 14 May: Mathematics Paper 3
What is covered in the English SATs in Year 6?
Year 6 English SATs are divided into two components:
English Spelling, Punctuation, and Grammar (SPaG). This includes two papers assessing:
- word classes (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions, determiners)
- sentence types (simple, compound, complex)
- punctuation (commas, apostrophes, full stops, question marks, exclamation marks, colons, semicolons, brackets, dashes, hyphens), and
- spelling, including statutory, common exception words, prefixes, suffixes, and homophones.
English Reading: One paper with 50 marks lasting 60 minutes that tests comprehension skills through questions based on various texts, examining a child’s ability to understand and interpret texts, analyse and evaluate them, make inferences and draw conclusions, and summarise and retell key points.
There’s no English writing test. Writing is assessed by teachers using your child’s work across the year, and is judged against specific criteria set out by the government. These cover three key grades: working towards the expected standard, working at the expected standard, and working at greater depth. Ask your child’s teacher to share which areas they’re working on.
How to prepare for the Year 6 SATs English Assessments
Reading Comprehension
I always advise the families I’m working with to encourage their children to read regularly and widely. Reading a variety of texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and poetry, exposes them to different writing styles and expands their vocabulary. Practise identifying key information, making inferences, drawing conclusions, and summarising texts. Use practice papers to identify areas for improvement.
Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (SPaG)
Spellings
Children should know the statutory spellings. Outside of this, focus on word patterns, prefixes, suffixes, and base words. Use spelling games, flashcards, and mnemonics to make learning engaging. Encourage your child to recognise and use new words they encounter in their reading.
Grammar & Punctuation
- Word classes (nouns, verbs, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions)
- Sentence types (simple, compound, complex)
- Punctuation marks including apostrophes, commas, semicolons, ellipses, brackets, hyphens, and inverted commas.
- Verb forms and tenses present, past, future tenses, perfect and progressive (continuous) forms, modal verbs, active and passive voice.
- Clauses and phrases (main and subordinate clauses, relative clauses, fronted adverbials)
Although my expertise lies in English, I can suggest some fantastic resources for preparing for the maths assessment. Detailed information can be found on the GOV.UK website and Mr Barton Maths has a wealth of resources on his blog.
Year 6 SATs Resources and Support
Official Past Papers
Official past SAT papers from previous years are available for free on GOV.UK. These are the best places to start for real exam familiarity.
BBC Bitesize Resources:
CPG Books Free Tests:
1:1 English Tuition for the Year 6 SATs
1:1 tuition can be an excellent boost for children who are working below the expected standard, or indeed for children who aspire to be working above the expected standard. If you feel your child could benefit from some additional guidance and support in English, please reach out. I’d love to help.
Exam Strategy for Year 6 SATs: Tips for 10-11 Year Olds
- Read the instructions slowly. Take a moment to check what the question is actually asking. Highlight or underline the key words so you stay focused from the start.
- Start with the questions you feel confident about. Early successes build momentum. Leave the tricky ones for later when your mind feels clearer.
- Show your working in Maths. Your thinking matters. Even if the answer isn’t perfect, you can still earn marks for the steps you show.
- Use skim, scan, and read for Reading Comprehension. Read the text twice before answering the questions. Skim the text to get a sense of the main idea. Scan the question for the keywords.
- Use your spare time to check your work. Look for small mistakes such as spelling, punctuation, or numbers written too quickly.
A tidy final check can make a real difference. - Keep a steady pace. Notice the time, but don’t rush because of it. If you finish early, revisit questions rather than switching off.
- Use a few slow breaths when you feel worried. A short pause helps your body settle, so your thinking becomes clearer.
- Use kind self-talk
Try saying things like: “I can try the next question” or “I know more than I think.” This helps maintain confidence. - Make sensible guesses when needed. Rule out any options that don’t fit and choose the best remaining one. Avoid leaving blank spaces.
- Keep your stationery ready. A working pencil and eraser reduce distractions. Ask for replacements if something isn’t right.
- Don’t get stuck in one place. Move on when a question isn’t clicking. Return later with a fresher perspective.
- Notice and celebrate small wins. Finishing a question is progress. Steady effort matters more than perfection.
Managing Exam Stress during the Year 6 SATs
Children should be reminded that the SATs are assessing what has been taught and that there’s no trickery or surprise content. The SATs are not designed to catch them out. That being said, many children experience exam anxiety, especially if it is their first time sitting an official assessment.
We often expect children to focus under pressure, but stress and learning don’t coexist easily. When cortisol levels rise, the brain diverts energy from memory and reasoning towards survival. That means even the most capable pupils can forget what they know when their bodies feel unsafe. This is also why I always place connection above curriculum in my tutoring sessions– children need to feel safe and comfortable to learn.
Proactive wellbeing support
Support shouldn’t start the night before the exam. True wellbeing is built through everyday habits- enough rest, predictable routines, mindful breaks, and a sense of connection with adults who model calm. Remember, your calm is contagious. Model what you wish for your child: perspective, not perfection. When children learn to regulate early, they carry that stability into high-pressure moments later.
Use these 5 evidence-based strategies to pre-empt exam stress:
- Movement Breaks: Short bursts of stretching or walking help release physical tension. I incorporate movement-based learning activities into my tutoring sessions to support children’s need for proprioceptive input.
- Positive Self-Talk: Replace “I can’t do this” with “I can try one question at a time.” Positive affirmations are often dismissed as mumbo-jumbo, but I have seen in action how they can transform a child’s mindset from defeatist to undefeatable.
- Routine: Familiar pre-exam rituals cue safety and predictability. I’m not just talking study routines- children need predictability with bedtime, mealtimes, and social routines. This tells the nervous system, “You’re safe. You know what’s coming.”
- Mini Visualisations: Picture a calm place or a successful outcome. There are so many great visualisation activities for kids on YouTube, but there are also a lot of rubbish ones, so make sure to vet them first!
- Peer Connection: Talk through worries with a trusted friend or adult; co-regulation builds resilience. Often, children feel alone in their worries. They need to know that stress is a shared human experience, not a personal flaw. When we name our stressors out loud, they lose their power.
FAQs
What are the Year 6 SATs results used for?
SATs are not about labelling a child’s ability; they are about showing progress. Schools use the results to understand how well pupils have learned over time and to meet national standards. Occasionally, secondary schools look at the scores to help with Year 7 grouping, but they are not used to retest or penalise children. The purpose is assessment, not judgement.
How much revision is necessary for KS2 SATs?
Most preparation happens in school, woven through Year 6 lessons. At home, around six weeks of focused revision is enough. What matters is not cramming but confidence. Short, purposeful sessions and practice in key areas are far more effective than long, stressful study marathons. Revision should build belief, not burnout.
Are the Year 6 SATs a legal requirement?
Yes. All maintained primary schools in England are required to administer Year 6 SATs. It is rare (but not unheard of) for parents to withdraw their children. It is always best to discuss concerns with the school before making that decision. Some pupils, such as those with significant SEND, may be assessed differently or may not sit the SATs at all. Headteachers make the final decision about participation and will always prioritise what’s best for each child. If you have concerns, discuss them with your school as early as possible.
What if my child is absent during SATs week?
If your child is unwell and misses one or more SATs papers, the school will follow statutory guidance to ensure your child isn’t unfairly penalised. In cases of serious illness, headteachers can apply for special consideration.
How are SATs scored?
Each test is marked and converted to a scaled score. The scale runs from 80 to 120, with 100 representing the expected standard. Scores above 100 show that a pupil is working beyond expectations, while scores below 100 suggest they may need more support in specific areas. Remember, a test cannot capture curiosity, creativity, or kindness, all of which are vital parts of learning.
When will I know the results?
Schools usually receive results in June or July and send them home shortly after, often with a summary report. Teachers will explain what the scores mean in context.
Where can I find help with SATs?
For the most up-to-date information, read the parent information booklet. BBC Bitesize, SATs Companion, and most school websites offer clear, child-friendly resources. If your child would benefit from the expert guidance of an English tutor, please reach out.
How can I support my child during SATs?
The most powerful support you can offer is not more worksheets, but reassurance. Remind your child that these tests are only one snapshot of their learning journey. Encourage rest, healthy routines, and gentle practice. Above all, keep the message simple: their worth is never defined by a score.
What do SATs terms mean?
- Scaled Score: A way of showing performance fairly across tests.
- Expected Standard: The level children are generally working towards by the end of Year 6.
- Greater Depth: Working above the expected level.
- Attainment: Achievement compared with age expectations.
What access arrangements can be made?
For pupils with visual needs, enlarged or modified large print versions are available. Schools can also request Braille or electronic formats for the Reading paper and other subjects if needed. Access arrangements such as using a scribe, typing answers, or having rest breaks exist to ensure fairness, not advantage. The goal is inclusion, not exclusion. Schools can apply for extra time, quiet rooms, rest breaks, or electronic aids depending on individual needs. Every child deserves to show what they know in a way that feels fair and supportive.
Conclusion
The Year 6 SATs are an assessment of the curriculum that a student has covered in KS2. It does not determine their future, and should be approached calmly. The best way to prepare is through ‘little and often’ revision. It can be useful to do past papers to identify specific areas of need for revision. If you feel your child is falling behind or needs a boost, consider getting a tutor. It is of utmost importance to instil confidence, maintain a good routine, and remain regulated during exam time.