Year 6 SATs take place every May and test children in English reading, maths, and grammar, punctuation and spelling (GPS). While they can feel high-stakes, it's important to remember: SATs measure the school, not your child.
What Are SATs Actually For?
SATs results are primarily used by:
- The government to assess school performance
- Secondary schools to set initial groups (though most do their own assessments)
They do not affect your child's secondary school place, future exam results, or life chances.
How to Help at Home
Reading
- Read together every evening — even 10 minutes helps
- Discuss what you're reading: "Why do you think that character did that?"
- Encourage reading for pleasure, not just for practice
Maths
- Use everyday maths: cooking (measuring), shopping (change), telling the time
- Times tables are crucial — practise in the car, at dinner, with apps like TT Rock Stars
- Don't drill worksheets endlessly — little and often is better
Grammar & Spelling
- Play word games: Scrabble, Boggle, hangman
- Spot grammar in books: "Can you find an adverb on this page?"
- Learn spelling patterns, not individual words
Keeping Calm
- Never say "This is really important" — it adds pressure
- Praise effort, not results
- Keep routines normal during SATs week
- Plan something fun for after SATs — a day trip or celebration
- Make sure they get plenty of sleep and a good breakfast
After SATs
Results arrive in July. Whatever the outcome, celebrate your child's hard work. The transition to secondary school is a much bigger deal — and that's where your energy should go.
Our holiday camps are the perfect way to decompress after SATs — active, social, screen-free fun!