Learn everything you need to know about Year 2 SATs papers from testing format to key dates.
Author
Mhairi Sim
Published
May 2024
Learn everything you need to know about Year 2 SATs papers from testing format to key dates.
Author
Mhairi Sim
Published
May 2024
Learn everything you need to know about Year 2 SATs papers from testing format to key dates.
Author
Mhairi Sim
Published
May 2024
Key takeaways
Table of contents
The KS1 SATs papers are assessments that are used to measure Year 2 learners’ understanding and ability to apply what they’ve learned throughout the Key Stage 1 curriculum. These tests cover three curricular areas:
As of 2024, these tests are no longer a statutory requirement meaning that schools can decide on an individual basis if they’d like their students to take part or not. That said, many schools will still go ahead with the KS1 SATs as they are a great way to measure pupil performance.
The results of the SATs are used to determine the level of support or challenge a student might need as they move on to the next year group and Key Stage. Being in the know about what these tests are and how exactly your child will be tested is a great way to ensure you’re little one is prepared!
This guide will tell you everything you need to know about the KS1 SATs including a rundown of each different test paper, how they’re marked, what those marks mean, and how to help your learner get ready!
There are three elements to the Year 2 SATs. Let’s take a closer look at these and learn more about what each of the Year 2 SATs papers will test your child on!
The first of the two KS1 maths SATs papers is the arithmetic paper. There are a total of 25 marks that can be awarded, and as a guide, students should take around 20 minutes to complete this paper.
Learners will be tested on their ability to complete straightforward maths calculations with no context provided.
The reasoning paper is worth 35 marks in total and should take students around 35 minutes to complete. Most questions here are worth one mark, but there are a few that will be worth two marks.
This paper will assess kiddos’ ability to solve more complex word problems across the entire KS1 maths curriculum. Additionally, the first five questions will be aural questions that teachers will read aloud, with students recording their answers in their answer booklet.
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The KS1 reading SATs are made up of two papers that will test learners’ reading comprehension abilities. These papers will test how well learners can read a text and then apply a range of skills to understand the meaning behind certain aspects.
Each paper is worth 20 marks in total and students will need to read two texts in each paper and answer questions relating to them. The questions in the papers will gradually increase in difficulty as pupils progress through them.
These KS1 English SATs papers are not strictly timed, but it’s suggested that students should be given roughly 30 minutes for paper one and 40 minutes for paper two.
As in the other areas covered in the SATs for Year 2 students, there are two papers in this section. The first paper is a spelling assessment where students will be read 20 words that they’re then tasked with writing down on their answer paper.
In the second of these SATs papers KS1 students will complete 20 questions that focus mainly on grammar and punctuation. Here learners will be tested on their knowledge and application of grammar rules, correct use of punctuation, and other aspects of sentence structure such as word types.
The guidance states that for these SATs KS1 students should be given approximately 15 minutes to complete the spelling paper and 20 minutes for the grammar and punctuation paper. These times are suggestions as these tests are not strictly timed.
When completing each of the different elements of the SATs papers KS1 students will be awarded a raw score for each area. These raw scores are then converted to a scaled score, using this conversion table.
For each of the three SAT areas, students will be awarded a scaled score somewhere between 85 and 115. These scores are used to indicate if the student is working at the expected level as they finish up the Key Stage 1 curriculum.
What’s important to remember here, is that KS1 SATs are not there to ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ students. They are simply a way for teachers to identify any gaps in a pupil’s learning so that it can be addressed quickly and help the student to progress.
If a child scores 99 or below, this could indicate that they may need some level of additional support in that area as they move into Year 3 and begin the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
KS1 SATs results are marked by teachers following the test.
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Just like with any other assessment, it can be helpful to help your child prepare for their upcoming SATs. As Year 2 students are so young, it’s best to start a good few months out from the tests and revise in short bursts.
At this stage, our little learners can be put off by long study sessions, especially when they’ve been at school all day and still have homework too! This book of 10-minute maths and English tests is the perfect way to kick things off.
Another fun addition to your kiddo’s KS1 SATs preparation is the Doodle Learning maths app and English app. Our apps are fully aligned with the curriculum and allow kids to boost their confidence with the skills they need to know!
There are thousands of interactive games and activities included that your learners will just love! The best part is that the app will automatically create and adapt each learner’s programme of activities to best suit their needs!
When it gets closer to May and the dates of the KS1 SATs, you might want to think about completing a few full papers with your kiddos. Actual past papers are available for free or you could try out these teacher-recommended CGP Books practice papers.
Papers aren’t available for 2020 or 2021 as the SATs were cancelled in these years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Using official past papers is a great preparation for the real thing. Not only will learners be practising the skills they’ll be tested on, but they’ll also be getting familiar with the format of each test.
Using a combination of a few of the strategies and resources we’ve highlighted above is a super way to get your Year 2 student ready for their KS1 SATs. Starting early means they can build up smaller chunks of revision in a way that won’t totally overwhelm them before May rolls around!
Remember, as a result of the SATs Year 2 students aren’t ‘passed’ or ‘failed’, so don’t panic! They’re simply a way for your child’s school to determine if your little one would benefit from any extra support as they move into Key Stage 2.
If they do need some help, it’s important to catch this now to give them the chance to clear up any misunderstandings that might hinder their progress as they continue through primary school!
If you’re a teacher who’s faced with preparing your Year 2 class for their SATs this year, it’s important to keep your stress levels in check – just like you would with your students!
Yes. As of 2024, it’s up to individual schools to decide if they’d like their students to sit the KS1 SATs or not.
The KS1 SATs will usually take place at some point in May. As these tests are now optional, there is no strict timetable that schools must stick to. Individual schools will create their own timetable for when the KS1 SATs will take place if they choose to partake.
Like all SATs Year 2 SATs are not ‘pass’ or ‘fail’ assessments. Scaled scores are awarded, with all students receiving a mark between 85 and 115. These scores are then used to determine if a student requires any additional support.
If a child scores 99 or below, this means that they could benefit from some form of extra support in Year 3 as they embark on the Key Stage 2 curriculum.
Lesson credits
Mhairi Sim
Mhairi is an experienced teacher, freelance writer and parent. After completing her bachelor's degree in Psychology, she graduated as a teacher from the University of Strathclyde. She then built experience teaching across KS1 and KS2 throughout the UK. In addition to working in mainstream education, Mhairi specialised in the additional support needs sector, including social, emotional, and behavioural support.
Mhairi
Mhairi is an experienced teacher, freelance writer and parent. After completing her bachelor's degree in Psychology, she graduated as a teacher from the University of Strathclyde. She then built experience teaching across KS1 and KS2 throughout the UK. In addition to working in mainstream education, Mhairi specialised in the additional support needs sector, including social, emotional, and behavioural support.
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