Year 2 SATs (Optional)
If you have a child in year 2, at the end of key stage 1 (KS1) they may take part in national curriculum tests in: • English grammar, punctuation and spelling • English reading • mathematics Some people refer to these tests as ‘SATs’. The tests are not mandatory for schools to administer at the end of KS1, but your child’s school may choose to use them to help identify where pupils need additional support as they transition into key stage 2 (KS2). The English reading and mathematics tests were previously mandatory, but they became optional from the academic year 2023 to 2024 to reduce the overall number of tests children have to take in primary school.
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KS1 Optional SATS - Information for Parents |
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Information for Parents: optional national curriculum tests at the end of key stage 1 |
Timetable 2027
It is recommended that the optional key stage 1 tests are administered during May 2027.
How do the optional tests work?
If your child’s school chooses to administer the optional tests, your child may take some of or all the following test papers:
• English reading Paper 1: combined reading prompt and answer booklet
• English reading Paper 2: reading booklet and reading answer booklet
• Mathematics Paper 1: arithmetic
• Mathematics Paper 2: reasoning
• English grammar, punctuation and spelling Paper 1: spelling
• English grammar, punctuation and spelling Paper 2: questions
The tests are not strictly timed. Your child’s school will decide whether your child takes part in the tests and may administer them alongside other everyday classroom assessment methods to measure your child’s progress. The Standards and Testing Agency (STA) develops the optional end of KS1 tests and recommends they are taken during May, but your child’s school can decide and may confrm the exact dates on which they administer them.