SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are national tests taken by pupils in England at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2, age 7) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6, age 11). They assess progress in reading, writing, and mathematics against national standards.
Key Stage 2 SATs
Year 6 SATs include reading, grammar/punctuation/spelling, and mathematics papers taken in May. Results are reported as scaled scores (80-120, with 100 as the expected standard). Teacher assessments cover writing. Results affect secondary school placements in some areas.
Key Stage 1 SATs
Year 2 SATs are less formal, administered by teachers within a window rather than fixed dates. From 2024, the government replaced formal KS1 SATs with reception baseline assessments, though schools may still use optional materials.