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Understanding SATs scores In Key Stage 1 and 2

Key Stage 2 SATs scores were received by schools earlier this week. You may need to wait a week or two to find out your child’s scores, as schools generally include them in end of year reports. But when they arrive, will you understand your child’s SATs scores?

Many parents with older children are familiar with the old National Curriculum levels. Children were awarded levels from 1 – 6, with 6 being the highest. However, National Curriculum levels are now obsolete and SATs results are currently given as scaled scores.

What is a scaled score?

Your child’s raw score is the total number of correctly answered questions s/he achieves in a test. The raw score is then converted into a scaled score. This means that scores are adjusted to take account of the fact that the difficulty of tests may differ from year to year.

Scaled scores for 2018, should you be interested, can be found on the DfE website.

What Score Should You Be Happy With?

A scaled score of 100 or more shows that your child has met the expected standard in the test. Below 100 indicates that your child has not met the expected standard and above 100 indicates that s/he has exceeded expectations.

For KS1, 85 is the lowest scaled score that can be awarded. The highest scaled score is 115. You may not be given your child’s SATs scores at the end of Year 2 (unless you ask for them), but your child’s end of year report will state whether s/he has met national expectations.

For KS2, 80 is the lowest scaled score that can be awarded. The highest scaled score is 120. A pupil awarded a scaled score of 100 or more has met the expected standard in each test. Your child’s KS2 SATs results will form part of his/ her end of year report.

If your child’s SATs results have given you cause for concern, try not to worry. These tests, important though they are, represent a snapshot of your child’s ability. Your child’s teacher will be familiar with his/ her abilities over time and may be able to reassure you that your child’s SATs scores do not truly reflect his/ her capabilities.

If, however, you feel your child needs more support to move forward in school, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Paul or Christine here at Better Tuition. Since 2008, we have been helping children achieve and succeed in school. We have expertise in maths, English and SEN and it goes without saying that we are qualified teachers. Ring us now on 0161 728 3912 or click on the ‘book a FREE assessment’ button on the right. Whether your child needs help with SATs, entrance exams, GCSEs or more general assistance, we care and we can help.