How to prepare for Year 6 SATs
6 min read ยท updated 2026-09-01
Year 6 SATs are the first national exams most children take. They matter because secondary schools use the results for setting, but the preparation should be calm and structured rather than pressured.
What the SATs cover
- โ Reading: one paper, comprehension of fiction and non-fiction texts
- โ Maths: three papers (arithmetic, reasoning 1 and reasoning 2)
- โ GPS: grammar, punctuation and spelling paper plus a spelling test
- โ There is no writing test; writing is teacher-assessed
A realistic preparation timeline
- โ Autumn of Year 6: school identifies gaps from KS1 and earlier; homework increases
- โ Spring term: past papers begin, timed practice starts, weak areas targeted
- โ Final half term: full papers under exam conditions, light review
- โ Exam week (May): routine, sleep, calm mornings
How to help at home without pressure
- โ Read daily and discuss what was read
- โ Practise times tables and arithmetic for 5-10 minutes daily
- โ Use past papers from the government website (free downloads)
- โ Keep the language positive: 'show me what you can do', not 'you must pass'
What the results mean
Scores are scaled around 100, where 100 means the child is meeting the expected standard for their age. A score of 110+ means working at greater depth. Secondary schools receive these scores and often use them for early setting in maths and English.
FAQs
Are Year 6 SATs compulsory?๏ผ
Yes for most children in state schools in England. Some children with SEN may be disapplied. Independent schools set their own assessments.
Do KS2 SATs really matter?๏ผ
They matter for setting at secondary school and for the school's accountability data. They do not go on the child's permanent record in the way GCSEs do.
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