Pupils are required to sit SATS tests towards the end of Year 6 (at the end of Key Stage 2).  These tests are used to assess the attainment of the pupils before moving into secondary education (Key Stage 3) at the start of year 7.  In other school systems (such as the traditional 2 tier system of primary and secondary schools), pupils will sit these tests in their last year of primary school before moving into Year 7 at a different secondary school.  In the middle school system, pupils sit these tests at the mid-point of their journey through the school.  This gives the school the advantage of having the pupils for two more years after the tests and, already knowing the pupils well, are better placed to address any areas in need of improvement.

Pupils sit tests in the following subjects:

• Reading
• Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar
• Maths (Arithmetic and Mathematical Reasoning)

In addition, pupils will also be teacher assessed on their ability in writing (with these judgements being compared against those of other schools by Year 6 SATS moderators).  Pupils may also be required to sit a Science test paper which is completed in a sample of schools nationally each year to track the standard of science education across the country).

The 2024 tests will be administered in the week starting on Monday 13th May 2024.  The test schedule is shown below:

Date	Tests
Monday 13th May 2024	Grammar & Punctuation test - 45 minutes   Spelling Test - 20 minutes
Tuesday 14th May 2024	English Reading Test - 60 Minutes
Wednesday 15th May 2024	Mathematics Paper 1: Arithmetic - 30 Minutes   Mathematics Paper 2: Reasoning - 40 Minutes
Thursday 16th May 2024	Mathematics Paper 3: Reasoning - 40 Minutes

Most pupils will sit the tests in the classrooms normally used each day for their learning.  Some children will be split into smaller groups in line with normal classroom practice.  This is done so that the pupils are comfortable and familiar with their surroundings and so that they can be spaced out appropriately. 

Each room will have enough staff to ensure the correct administration of the test and the staff involved will have been given training on test format and style, their role and what they may or may not read to a pupil in a particular test including any subject specific issues that might occur.  During the Reading test, no part of the test may be read to a student.

Should you have any further questions of concerns over the tests, please contact Mrs Doak (Year 6 Leader) through the school office.