Guidance

Key stage 2 tests: access arrangements

Guidance for schools about access arrangements available for pupils participating in 2026 key stage 2 (KS2) national curriculum tests (commonly called SATs).

From:
Standards and Testing Agency
Published
4 December 2017
Last updated
9 February 2026 — See all updates

Documents

2026 key stage 2 access arrangements guidance

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Details

Some pupils with specific needs may need additional arrangements so they can take part in KS2 tests.

Types of support include:

  • early opening of test packs, for schools to adapt test papers
  • additional time for pupils to complete the tests
  • the use of scribes, word processors or other technical or electronic aids
  • making transcripts
  • written or oral translations
  • readers
  • the use of prompts and rest breaks
  • the use of accessibility objects in the mathematics test
  • highlighter pens
  • arrangements for pupils who are ill or are injured at the time of the tests

Schools must consider whether any of their pupils will need access arrangements before they administer the tests. The guidance includes details about the different arrangements.

Updates to this page

Published 4 December 2017
Last updated 9 February 2026 show all updates

  1. Added information: Schools can now contact STA directly to discuss access arrangements, using the 'Message us - access arrangements' form within the 'Test administration' tab on the NCA Portal. The 'Manage attendance register and notification of aid form' will be available on the NCA Portal from Monday 27 April to Friday 22 May (see 'Overview of access arrangements'). STA will only consider access arrangement applications after the deadlines in exceptional circumstances (see 'Arrangements requiring an application').

  2. Updated for the academic year 2025 to 2026.

  3. Updated for the academic year 2024 to 2025.

  4. Updated section 4.1 to provide important additional information: "If schools use an electronic or a web-based translation service to prepare a translation, they must ensure it is secure and any data or content placed there must not be shared with, or visible to, any other party. Schools are responsible for checking the security of translation services before use."

  5. Updated guidance for the academic year 2023 to 2024.

  6. Updated guidance for the 2022-23 assessment cycle.

  7. Uploaded the 2022 Key stage 2 tests: access arrangements.

  8. Updated the key stage 2: access arrangements guidance for the 2020/21 academic year.

  9. Updated for the 2020 test cycle.

  10. Demonstrational videos added.

  11. Updated guidance for the 2019 test cycle.

  12. Links to outdated videos have been removed.

  13. Links to demonstrational videos added.

  14. First published.

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