News story

Information for parents: 2018 key stage 1 and 2 assessments

New information leaflet and videos published for parents of children in years 2 and 6, who will be taking national curriculum assessments (commonly called SATs).

This news article was withdrawn on

End of key stage 1 assessments became optional in the academic year 2023 to 2024. The videos were also removed as they were outdated for both subjects. For up-to-date information, please refer to the latest collection of national curriculum assessments: information for parents.

We have published an information leaflet today for parents of children in years 2 and 6 about national curriculum assessments (commonly called SATs).

The leaflet is to help parents understand more about the end of key stage assessments that will take place in primary schools throughout May.

For pupils at the end of key stage 1, typically aged 7, teachers will judge the standards at which they are working. To help teachers inform those judgements, pupils will take tests at any time throughout May in:

  • mathematics
  • English reading
  • English grammar, punctuation and spelling (optional test)

Pupils at the end of key stage 2, typically aged 11, will take tests on set days in the week beginning 14 May in:

  • English grammar, punctuation and spelling
  • English reading
  • mathematics

Videos about SATs at key stages 1 and 2

We have also published 2 videos for parents, providing more detail at each key stage about:

  • the purpose and format of the tests
  • when tests will take place
  • how parents can best support their child
  • how results will be reported

The leaflet and videos may be useful resources for schools to share with parents, or to use during conversations with parents about primary assessments. We have provided a text only version of the leaflet for ease of printing.

Published 27 March 2018