KS2 SATs are one of the most significant assessments in primary school — and one of the most stressful for parents who want to support their child but aren't sure how. This guide covers everything you need to know: what the tests actually assess, what to focus your child's revision on, and how to make home preparation effective without burning your child out.

What are KS2 SATs?

KS2 SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are national assessments taken by Year 6 children in England, typically in May. They test achievement in English and Mathematics at the end of Key Stage 2. Results are used by secondary schools for setting and by the government to measure school performance — but they also matter to children who want to know how they're doing.

The tests are taken over three days and cover three subjects: English Reading, English Grammar Punctuation and Spelling (GPS), and Mathematics.

When are KS2 SATs 2026?

KS2 SATs 2026 are scheduled for the week beginning 11th May 2026:

Key point for parents: SATs are not pass or fail. Children are given a scaled score, with 100 being the expected standard. The results inform secondary school but do not determine secondary school placement — that is separate from the 11+ process for grammar schools.

What does each paper test?

English Reading

Children read a booklet of texts (usually 3 passages of increasing difficulty) and answer comprehension questions. The paper tests the ability to retrieve information, make inferences, understand vocabulary in context, and explain the effect of language choices. It is not a test of reading speed — it is a test of reading depth.

English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (GPS)

Two papers: Paper 1 is questions about grammar and punctuation (identifying word types, correcting sentences, using punctuation correctly). Paper 2 is a spelling test of 20 words read aloud by the teacher. GPS is one of the most teachable areas — the terminology is learnable with focused practice.

Mathematics — Arithmetic (Paper 1)

36 questions testing calculation with whole numbers, fractions, decimals and percentages. No calculator. 30 minutes. This paper rewards fluency — children who have automatic recall of times tables and fraction procedures score significantly higher than those who have to work everything out from scratch.

Mathematics — Reasoning (Papers 2 and 3)

Multi-step problems applying maths to real-world contexts. These papers test understanding, not just calculation. Topics include ratio and proportion, geometry, statistics, and algebra.

The topics parents most underestimate

Fractions, decimals & percentages

Appears in almost every paper. Children must be fluent in converting between forms and applying them in calculations.

GPS terminology

Children must know precise terms: subordinate clause, relative pronoun, modal verb. Rote-learning the definitions is essential.

Inference in reading

Most marks lost in reading are on inference questions. Teach your child to quote from the text and explain their thinking.

Times tables fluency

Slow recall costs marks in the arithmetic paper. If tables aren't automatic by Easter, make them the priority.

Ratio & proportion

Often appears in reasoning papers. Many children encounter it late in Year 6 — start earlier if possible.

Punctuation in context

GPS Paper 1 uses punctuation in sentences. Children must not just know the rules but apply them correctly in context.

How to structure SATs revision at home

Start with a diagnostic

Before anything else, get a picture of where your child actually is. Complete a past paper under timed conditions, mark it carefully, and identify the specific topics where marks were lost. This is far more valuable than generic revision — it tells you exactly where to focus.

20–30 minutes daily is enough

Research consistently shows that short, regular sessions outperform occasional long ones. 20 to 30 minutes of focused daily practice — covering one topic or one type of question — builds confidence far more effectively than a Sunday afternoon marathon. If your child is exhausted or resistant, do less. Stressed children do not learn efficiently.

Topic-focused practice, not just papers

Doing past papers back to back tells you where the gaps are but doesn't close them. Once you've identified a weak area — fractions, GPS clauses, inference questions — spend a week specifically on that topic before returning to full papers.

Let your child mark their own work

Children learn more from understanding their mistakes than from being told they got something wrong. Where possible, sit alongside your child while they mark and ask them to explain why they think the answer is correct or incorrect. This is more powerful than you marking it for them.

When your child gets stuck: Photograph the question with Ask Learno. You'll get a step-by-step explanation of the method — covering exactly the kind of KS2 maths and English questions that appear in SATs. Then generate a practice worksheet on the same topic to consolidate the learning.

Subject-specific revision strategies

Maths: prioritise fluency first

If times tables aren't fast and automatic, make them the number one priority. Use 5-minute daily drills — not worksheets, but rapid-fire oral practice. Once fluency is there, everything else gets easier. For fractions specifically: make sure your child can add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions, convert between fractions, decimals and percentages, and find a fraction of an amount.

English Reading: practise the technique, not just the reading

Strong readers often lose marks in SATs reading because they answer from memory rather than from the text. Teach your child to: read the questions first, then read the passage; underline evidence in the text before writing their answer; use the word "because" to force themselves to explain their reasoning.

GPS: learn the terminology precisely

Make a reference card of every grammatical term in the KS2 curriculum. Test one term per day. The GPS paper is almost entirely terminology-dependent — children who know the definitions score well; children who don't lose easy marks.

How Ask Learno helps with SATs preparation

Ask Learno is built for exactly the kind of daily, question-by-question practice that SATs revision requires. When your child gets stuck on a fractions question, a GPS problem, or a reading comprehension — you photograph it, get a plain-English explanation, and generate a fresh practice worksheet on the same skill. The worksheet goes straight to your child's PIN-protected Child Zone, is auto-marked, and you see the results.

Learning Paths let you set up a structured 6-week SATs revision programme — selecting specific subjects and topics — that generates progressively harder worksheets week by week. Set it once and it runs automatically.

Help your child prepare for SATs

Photograph any SATs question — get a step-by-step explanation and a practice worksheet. 7-day free trial, no charge until day 7.

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Frequently asked questions

When are KS2 SATs 2026?

The week beginning 11th May 2026. Tests run Tuesday to Friday covering GPS, Reading, and three Maths papers.

What subjects are tested in KS2 SATs?

English Reading, English Grammar Punctuation and Spelling (GPS), and Mathematics. Science is sampled separately but not tested universally.

How can I help my child revise for SATs at home?

Start with a past paper to identify weak areas. Then focus daily 20-30 minute sessions on specific topics rather than doing paper after paper. Let your child mark their own work and explain their mistakes.

What maths topics come up most in KS2 SATs?

Fractions, decimals and percentages appear in almost every paper. Times tables fluency, long multiplication and division, ratio and proportion, area and perimeter, and data interpretation are also consistently tested.

Should I use past SATs papers for revision?

Yes — they are the most effective diagnostic tool. Do them under timed conditions, mark carefully, then focus practice on the specific areas where marks were lost.

How much revision should a Year 6 child do for SATs?

20 to 30 minutes of focused daily practice is enough. Consistency matters far more than volume. Exhausted or anxious children do not retain information effectively.