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26 October 2026

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Year 6 SATs can feel like a big moment for children and their families. Knowing what to expect, and when, takes a lot of the worry away. Here are the key dates for 2027, what the tests involve, and some simple ways to help your child feel calm and ready.

SATs 2027: key dates

The statutory key stage 2 tests take place from Monday 10 May to Thursday 13 May 2027:

Monday 10 May: English grammar, punctuation and spelling (Papers 1 and 2)
Tuesday 11 May: English reading
Wednesday 12 May: Mathematics (Paper 1 Arithmetic and Paper 2 Reasoning)
Thursday 13 May: Mathematics (Paper 3 Reasoning)

Other primary assessments in 2026 to 2027

Optional key stage 1 tests: recommended during May 2027
Year 4 multiplication tables check: a two-week window from Monday 7 June to Friday 18 June 2027
Year 1 phonics screening check: the week starting Monday 14 June 2027

The government has confirmed that assessment arrangements for 2026 to 2027 will stay the same, while future years are being reviewed. You can see the full list on GOV.UK: Primary assessments: future dates.

What the tests involve

Grammar, punctuation and spelling: a short-answer grammar paper and a spelling test
Reading: one paper with questions on a range of texts
Maths: one arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers, where children explain and apply what they know

Writing is not a test paper. It is assessed by your child’s teacher across the year.

Boy in a red hoodie practising maths in his exercise book with an abacus beside him

Young child in a pink jumper practising handwriting with a blue pencil

Access arrangements

Some children need adjustments to show what they can do, such as extra time, a reader or scribe, rest breaks, or adapted papers. Schools decide on these before the tests, so if you think your child may need support, speak to their class teacher or SENCo early in the school year. The current guidance is on GOV.UK: Key stage 2 tests: access arrangements.

How you can help at home

Little and often: ten minutes of times tables, spelling or reading most days does more than one long session.
Read together: talk about what you have read and ask “why” and “how” questions.
Keep it calm: remind your child that SATs show what they have learnt, not who they are.
Look after the basics: good sleep, breakfast and time to play make a real difference in test week.
Talk to school: ask which areas your child finds tricky so you can focus your practice.

Mum in a yellow top working through homework with her daughter at the kitchen table

Dad and son sitting on the sofa reading a book together

How SATs boosters can help

My SATs booster sessions are one-to-one and built around your child: closing gaps in reading, grammar or maths, practising real SATs-style questions, and learning calm, practical strategies for test day. With over 23 years of teaching and 14 years as a SENCo, I also support children with additional needs to approach the tests with confidence.

If you would like to talk about SATs support for your child, get in touch for a free, no-obligation chat.

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2 April 2026

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SATs 2027: Key Dates and How to Help Your Child Prepare