National curriculum assessments: key stage 2 tests
Guidance for headteachers, teachers and test administrators involved in administering the key stage 2 (KS2) national curriculum tests.
Every year in May, schools administer statutory national curriculum tests for pupils at the end of KS2 in:
- English grammar, punctuation and spelling
- English reading
- mathematics
Some people refer to these tests as SATs.
The tests help measure the attainment of pupils in relation to the standards set out in the national curriculum, and help teachers and parents identify where pupils may need additional support. The test results are also used to report publicly on schools’ performance via the Department for Education’s (DfE) Compare School and College Performance service and to produce national and regional performance statistics.
Schools can use the information on this page to:
- check important dates for the KS2 test cycle
- understand the statutory requirements for the KS2 tests
- administer the tests, including details on the format, equipment and assistance to use for each test
- use appropriate access arrangements
- keep test materials secure
- return test scripts for marking
- access and review test results
In addition to the guidance on this page, schools will:
- receive printed copies of the test administration instructions with the test materials – these are not available on GOV.UK because they contain live test material
- be able to check their performance measures data, and request any necessary amendments to this data, in the KS2 September checking exercise via DfE’s Check Your Performance Measures Data (CYPMD) help centre
Assessment and reporting arrangements
Access arrangements
Test administration
Monitoring visits
Maladministration
Results
Information for parents
Updates to this page
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Updated with information for the academic year 2025 to 2026 onwards
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Removed link to video with top tips for key stage 2 test week preparations in 2025, as that time has now passed.
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Added a video with top tips to help schools prepare for key stage 2 test week in 2025
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Added the key stage 2 assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA) for the academic year 2024 to 2025
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Added: 2024 key stage 2: assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA)
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Banner removed from page - collection has been updated to include: 2023 assessment and reporting arrangements; Primary assessments: future dates; 2022 scaled scores at KS2.
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2017 scaled score guidance added.
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Addition of 2017 assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA) and planner.
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First published.