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N2K Newsletter


Taking Key Stage 2 SATs

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Towards the end of Year 6, when your child is 11 or nearly 11, they will sit Key Stage 2 SATs (KS2 SATs) in maths and literacy. The tests are given under exam conditions – that is, they are formal, strictly timed occasions and pupils will be aware that they are taking a test.
Once the Key Stage 2 SATs have been completed, they are sent away to the QCDA for external marking. Schools receive the results in July.
What is involved in the Key Stage 2 SATs?
The tests will take place over a whole school week. In 2011, for the first time, the tests will be held in June (previously they were held in May).
There are seven tests:
Reading test: 45 minutes, plus 15 minutes of reading time.
Writing test (short): 20 minutes.
Spelling test: 10 minutes.
Writing test (long): 45 minutes.
Mathematics Test A: 45 minutes.
Mathematics Test B: 45 minutes.
Mental mathematics test: 20 minutes.
At KS1, only more able pupils are given maths papers at level 3. At KS2, however, each paper includes questions from levels 3-5, so each pupil sits the same number of papers.
Extract taken from Primary School – A Parent’s Guide

Towards the end of Year 6, when your child is 11 or nearly 11, they will sit Key Stage 2 SATs (KS2 SATs) in maths and literacy.

sats-key-stage-2.jpgThe tests are given under exam conditions – that is, they are formal, strictly timed occasions and pupils will be aware that they are taking a test.

Once the Key Stage 2 SATs have been completed, they are sent away to the QCDA for external marking. Schools receive the results in July.

What is involved in the Key Stage 2 SATs?

The tests will take place over a whole school week. In 2011, for the first time, the tests will be held in June (previously they were held in May).

There are seven tests:

  • Reading test: 45 minutes, plus 15 minutes of reading time.
  • Writing test (short): 20 minutes.
  • Spelling test: 10 minutes.
  • Writing test (long): 45 minutes.
  • Mathematics Test A: 45 minutes.
  • Mathematics Test B: 45 minutes.
  • Mental mathematics test: 20 minutes.


At KS1, only more able pupils are given maths papers at level 3. At KS2, however, each paper includes questions from levels 3-5, so each pupil sits the same number of papers.

Extract taken from Primary School - A Parent's Guide. For more information on Key Stage 2 SATs and what to expect when your child is at primary school, take a look at the book - available now in eBook and printed book formats. Buy the printed version and get the eBook free!