Plain answers
Year 6 SATs, explained simply
The questions we're asked most often by parents — about the exams themselves, and about SATs in 6.
About the SATs
What are the Year 6 SATs?
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) are national tests taken by children in Year 6, covering Maths and English (reading, and grammar, punctuation & spelling). They're sat in schools, typically in mid-May, and mark the end of KS2 (Key Stage 2).
Do SATs results matter for secondary school?
SATs are not generally used to decide which secondary school a child attends. Some secondary schools use the results to help with setting or streaming in the early weeks of Year 7, but this varies by school — it's worth checking with your child's future secondary school directly if you'd like specifics.
What subjects are actually tested?
Reading, Maths (arithmetic and reasoning papers), and English grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS). Writing is assessed by teachers throughout the year rather than through a single test.
How can I help without adding pressure?
Short, low-stakes, consistent practice tends to help far more than long, high-pressure sessions. A calm, predictable routine — like six minutes a day — builds familiarity with question types without turning every evening into a test.
About SATs in 6
What exactly do I get with each pack?
12 weeks of daily (Monday to Friday) question papers, a full answer sheet for every week, a bonus resource each week, and a short weekly reflection section — delivered as an instant PDF download you print at home.
Which subject should we start with?
Start with whichever area feels weakest — many families start with Arithmetic, since it's the most formulaic and quickest to build confidence in. If you're not sure, the Complete Bundle covers all three and lets your child move between them.
What if we miss a day, or a week?
That's completely fine. The papers are labelled by day for structure, but they're designed to be picked up and put down as fits your schedule — there's no penalty for reordering or skipping a day.
Is this enough on its own, or do we need a tutor too?
SATs in 6 is built as consistent daily practice, not a replacement for classroom teaching. Most families use it alongside normal schoolwork; some combine it with tutoring for extra support in a specific area.
Can I print it more than once, for more than one child?
Standard packs are licensed for personal, single-family use. If you're a tutor or run a small tutoring group and need to use it with multiple pupils, see the Tutor & Classroom Licence on the Shop page.