SATs week 2024: key dates
When are the KS1 SATs 2024?
The KS1 SATs testing period will take place during May 2024, with the exact dates at the discretion of each individual school.
When are the KS2 SATs 2024?
Monday 13 May 2024 — KS2 English grammar, punctuation and spelling papers 1 and 2
Tuesday 14 May 2024 — KS2 English reading
Wednesday 15 May 2024 — KS2 mathematics papers 1 and 2
Thursday 16 May 2024 — KS2 mathematics paper 3
What you need to know about KS1 SATs 2024
Last year was the final year that KS1 SATs were compulsory. From 2024, the KS1 tests will be optional with each school deciding whether to administer them. For schools continuing with KS1 SATs, the tests will take place during May and will be sat in classrooms.
The KS1 SATs assess children's abilities in English and Mathematics. The English SATs include a paper on reading comprehension as well as separate spelling, punctuation and grammar tests. The Mathematics SATs focus on arithmetic and reasoning skills.
What you need to know about KS2 SATs 2024
Year 6 children will sit the following KS2 SATs papers during the week beginning Monday 13 May 2024. Some schools may also be chosen for science sampling and will sit a KS2 science paper.
- KS2 reading SATs: This is one paper, that tests reading comprehension skills with questions based on three different passages of texts. The test lasts approximately 1 hour.
- KS2 SPaG (spelling, punctuation, and grammar) SATs: There are two papers, one for spelling and one for punctuation and grammar. Children will be tested on their spelling abilities and understanding of punctuation and grammar rules. The spelling test lasts around 20 minutes and the written element lasts approximately 45 minutes.
- KS2 maths SATs: There are three papers, one for arithmetic and two for reasoning lasting approximately 30 minutes for arithmetic and 40 minutes for each reasoning paper.
The results from the KS2 SATs will be available in July. They are reported as scaled scores, with a score of 100 indicating the expected standard.
How to prepare for KS2 SATs 2024
Preparation for the KS2 SATs should be a balance between academic preparation and ensuring children are not overly stressed. Regular, structured revision sessions can help, as can mock exams to familiarise students with the format. These ten tips for SATs include practical and creative ideas for helping prepare your class for SATs and beyond.
Trending and top-rated SATs resources
Our SATs collection comprises a range of one-off worksheets, workbooks and complete revision packs to ensure your children meet or exceed the expected standard by the end of their primary school journey. These resources are designed to familiarise children with the test format and provide comprehensive revision materials.
English SATs resources
- Our most popular free SATs resource is the English SATs reading practice paper.
- For more comprehensive practice, consider Reading SATs practice for KS2, a pack of 10 practice papers.
- Additional reading comprehension support is available from the Comprehension at upper KS2 pack.
GPS (SPaG) SATs resources
- Our free GPS resources include the Key Stage 2 GPS practice paper, Year 6 GPS revision booklet, and Year 6 grammar revision.
- For a comprehensive collection, try our GPS SATs practice for KS2 pack.
Maths SATs resources
- Free practice test papers include Maths SATs practice paper 1: arithmetic, Maths SATs practice paper 2: reasoning, and Maths SATs practice paper 3: reasoning.
- Our Maths revision reference booklet is a favourite among Teachit members.
- Try the Year 6 maths assessments pack for a comprehensive set of 10 test papers and accompanying mark schemes.
- For extending the maths skills of your higher-attainers, try the Challenging maths pack.
For more SATs preparation and revision materials and top tips for SATs week, visit the full SATs collection.
Supporting children’s mental health before, during and after SATs
It's crucial to support children's mental health during the SATs period. Encourage a positive mindset, ensure they're getting enough sleep, and help them find stress-relief activities. Remind them that while doing their best is important, their value is not determined by test results.
Explore our collection of resources for supporting children’s mental health and wellbeing, including:
