SATs Maths Preparation
Maths preparation for the UK Year 2 and Year 6 statutory tests — structure, paper-by-paper strategy, scaled scores, and the highest-yield revision topics.
SATs (Standard Assessment Tests) measure attainment at the end of KS1 (Year 2; non-statutory since 2024) and KS2 (Year 6; statutory). The Year 6 maths SATs is three papers: one arithmetic, two reasoning. Below: structure, technique, and revision priorities.
- KS1 SATs overview (Year 2)Structure, papers, current statutory status.
- KS2 SATs overview (Year 6)Three papers; arithmetic + 2 reasoning. Statutory.
- Arithmetic paper strategy30-minute speed paper; pacing and column-method recall.
- Reasoning paper strategyWord problems, multi-step, methodical underlining.
- Scaled scores explainedRaw mark to scaled score; 100 = expected standard.
- Common arithmetic question typesLong mult/div, fraction arithmetic, percentages.
- Common reasoning question typesMoney, time, measurement, ratio, statistics word problems.
- KS1 SATs in 2026Non-statutory since 2024; how schools currently use them.
- KS2 SATs in 2026Slight changes from 2024; new science sample reintroduced.
- SATs revision checklistTopic-by-topic checklist for the final 6 weeks.