UPDATED: February 2025

If your child is currently in Year 2, s/he will likely be taking Key Stage 1 SATs in May 2025. These tests are no longer statutory, however most schools do opt to run the tests. Here is your super-speedy, two-minute guide to Key Stage 1 SATs 2025, for extra-busy parents.

Read Better Tuition’s two-minute guide to Key Stage 1 SATs.

Year 2 children sit papers in:

• Reading;

• Optional English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling (schools may decide not to use it);

• Maths

(1) Reading

Children will sit two separate papers as part of Key Stage 1 SATs:

• Paper 1: This paper generally includes shorter texts with simpler vocabulary and questions focused on identifying main ideas, key details, and basic comprehension. Children will read a selection of texts totaling 400 to 700 words and answer questions spread throughout the paper. Questions will include a mix of multiple choice options and short answer responses to demonstrate understanding of the text. Around 30 minutes will be allowed.

• Paper 2: Children will read a booklet comprised of a longer passage totaling 800 to 1100 words. They will answer questions in a separate booklet. Questions will include a mix of multiple choice options and short answer responses to demonstrate understanding of the text. Around 40 minutes will be allowed.

• The tests are not strictly timed and each paper is worth 50% of the marks available for reading.

• Text types may include fiction, non-fiction and poetry.

• Question types include multiple choice; sequencing; matching; labelling; vocabulary; short answer and open-ended answer.

• Each paper is worth 20 marks.

(2) Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPAG)

Children will sit two separate papers as part of Key Stage 1 SATs.

• Paper 1: Spelling. Children will be asked to spell 20 words. This paper will take around 15 minutes to administer.

• Paper 2: Grammar, Punctuation and Vocabulary.  Questions will require multiple choice selection, short answers and labelling. The paper is divided into two sections and will take around 20 minutes to complete.

• Each paper is worth 20 marks.

(3) Maths

Children will sit two separate papers as part of Key Stage 1 SATs.

• Paper 1: Arithmetic. Children will be asked to answer questions using the four operations (adding, subtracting, multiplication and division) as well as some basic fractions work. These questions require fixed responses and are designed to test basic calculation skills. This paper will take around 20 minutes to administer.

• Paper 2: Mathematical Fluency. Children will be asked to solve problems and demonstrate reasoning skills. Question types include multiple choice, completing a table or a chart and explaining methods used to arrive at an answer. This paper focuses on applying mathematical concepts to real-life situations, often including a mix of question types like matching, visual representation, and interpreting data. Some questions will be read aloud by the teacher. This paper will take around 35 minutes to administer.

• Paper 1 is worth 25 marks, whilst Paper 2 is worth 35 marks.

• Children are not allowed to use calculators, number lines or any other tools.

Marking and Scores

The papers will be marked by teachers within your child’s school. Your child will be given a scaled score. A score of 100 means that your child is meeting expectations for his/ her age. A score below this suggests that a child is working below expectations and a score above 100 indicates that a child is working above the expected standard.

The Future for Key Stage 1 SATs

The government has made Key Stage 1 SATs non-statutory. This means that schools are able to choose whether to administer the tests or not. You can read more about Key Stage 1 SATs in the government’s official information leaflet for parents.

Supporting your child

Is your child currently preparing for Key Stage 1 SATs? Perhaps they have recently completed them and been identified as not meeting the required standard. Either way, Better Tuition can help. Please call Paul Syrett or Christine McLaughlin on 0161 748 3912 and find out how we can help your child achieve and succeed in school. You can book a FREE assessment or FREE trial lesson at our tuition centre in the heart of Urmston. We are currently celebrating 17 years in the business of helping children reach their full potential. You have nothing to lose and so much to gain so why not take that step now and find out today why we’re better?