Year 2 sats articles
Is your child's school going ahead with KS1 SATs?
For the first time ever, KS1 SATs for Year 2 children are now optional. However, despite this change, numerous schools have decided to continue with them. What does this mean for your child's education? Matt Revill, a seasoned primary headteacher, dives into the latest updates in this week's School Savvy blog.
Best brain-training apps for kids
Help your child develop essential skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking and spatial awareness with these brilliant brain games.
Access arrangements for primary school SATs
If your child has additional needs that could affect their SATs performance, they may be entitled to adjustments, known as ‘access arrangements’. We explain what can be arranged and how it might help your child.
Your free SATs downloads KS1 and KS2
Get your free SATs past papers, downloads and advice and information to help support your KS1 and KS2 child in the Y2 and Y6 tests here.
Supporting summer-born children at school
Your child’s birthdate could make a big difference to how they manage at primary school. We asked the experts about the potential impact, and how you can help your child thrive.
What are age-related expectations?
Is your child’s learning on track for their age? We explain how age-related expectations work in primary school.
Age-related expectations: KS1
What key skills and knowledge should children have by the end of Year 2? We explain what they need to meet the expected standard.
Helping your primary school child with exam stress
With increasing numbers of children suffering the effects of test anxiety, how can you help your child keep their nerves under control?
The parent's guide to InCAS tests
Many primary-school pupils in Northern Ireland and Scotland are assessed every year using InCAS tests. We explain what’s involved.
Primary grammar glossary for parents
Do you know the difference between the subject and the subjunctive? Can you identify a relative clause or find a phrase? From active voice to verb tense, TheSchoolRun's primary-school grammar glossary offers a complete guide to all the grammatical concepts children are taught in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 English. As well as basic definitions we offer more detailed explanations, teachers' tips and examples for each grammar term.
Changes to KS1 SATs in 2025
Year 2 children in England may take KS1 SATs in May, although they are now optional. Here's what parents need to know about the English and maths assessments in Y2.
Primary-school grading system explained for parents
A new grading system to replace national curriculum levels was introduced into English primary schools in 2014. We explain what parents need to know about primary school assessment levels as well as KS1 and KS2 SATs and the new Reception Baseline Assessment.
SATs revision: your KS1 SATs maths helper
KS1 SATs are no longer compulsory, but some schools may still administer them and numeracy SATs can seem a daunting task for Year 2 children. There are loads of practical, fun ways to help them consolidate their classroom learning and make mathematical concepts (from number bonds to 3D shapes) real and easy to understand. Teacher Alice Hart shares her tips.
SATs revision: your KS1 SATs English helper
KS1 SATs are no longer compulsory, but some schools may still choose to administer them. If so, you can help child prepare for the Year 2 English SATs with some simple and effective reading, writing and spelling activities.
KS1 maths SATs: what is tested in the Y2 assessments
Although KS1 SATS are no longer compulsory, your child's school may still choose to administer them as a way of tracking pupils progress. We review the learning objectives in parent-friendly language and give you examples and tips to help you support your child’s mathematical education at home.
KS1 English SATs: what is tested in the Y2 assessments
KS1 SATs are no longer compulsory, but some schools may still choose to administer them. We explain KS1 English SATs learning objectives, plus how to support your child’s literacy learning at home.
Your KS1 SATs questions answered
KS1 SATs are no longer compulsory, but they may still be administered by some schools and it's likey that most parents have heard of them. We answer the questions whirling around in parents’ heads about what KS1 SATs are, if and when they’ll be administered, and how you can help your child reach their full potential.
KS1 SATs writing assessment success
KS1 SATs are no longer compulsory, but may still be administered by some schools. If so, how will your child's writing be assessed at the end of KS1? We explain what teachers are looking for so you can help your child improve their work and boost their confidence.
Start preparing for SATs today
Take the stress out of SATs by making honing your child’s skills as part of everyday home life.
Understanding SATs results
How are SATs marked, when will you see your child’s results and what do the marks mean? Moira Holden explains everything you need to know about the optional Y2 and compulsory Y6 SATs results.
What are SATs?
No doubt you’ll have heard a lot of talk about SATs, but do you know what they involve or how you can help your child to prepare? Here’s the lowdown on everything you need to know.
SATs advice: spelling strategies
During their time in primary school children learn to spell words accurately by a combination of approaches. Help boost your child's spelling confidence for SATs success with our strategies and suggestions.
SATs advice: speaking and listening
Speaking and listening enable children to problem-solve, exchange ideas, participate in decision-making and reflect on issues which matter to them. Through these interactions, a child's creativity and understanding are engaged and developed. Encourage your child to develop their speaking and listening skills at home to help them with their SATs literacy exams and to become successful communicators in their future lives.
SATs advice: measuring and estimating
The ability to measure and estimate are important skills in both numeracy and science learning across the Key Stages. Measuring weight, height, volume and thickness and a growing awareness of quantity will help your child's ability to estimate amounts and enable them to make comparisons between objects. Here’s how to develop your child’s skills outside the classroom to increase their confidence and help them get ahead in their SATs learning.
Top 10 ways to calm your child's fears about SATs
Give your child some all important “me time” during their SATs with our top tips on how to relax the mind and body and make for a healthier, happier learner!
Problem solving exercises for SATs
Problem solving is something we do constantly. Help your child develop their skills with our top activities to get them prepared for their SATs – and problem solving in everyday life.
SATs advice: maths problem-solving
Many of the questions in maths SATs papers for KS1 and KS2 involve problem-solving. Help develop your child's mathematical problem-solving skills at home with our guide to what they need to know in Y2 and Y6 and some practical activities you can try at home.
12 ways to give memory skills a boost and prepare for SATs
A good memory could be your child’s biggest asset when he’s preparing for SATs, tackling times tables or rehearsing for the school play. Here’s our guide to getting those synapses firing.
8 common questions about SATs answered
Get ready for SATs with our guide to everything you need to know about the Year 2 and Year 6 assessments.
What educational value do SATs have?
SATs tests are one of the most hotly debated topics among educationalists, parents, and even children. So what do the experts have to say about their value and effect on children?
Countdown to SATs: your action plan
Stressed about SATs? Not sure if your child is ready for the tests? Don’t panic... just follow our six-week action plan for SATs success.
SATs preparation: how play can help
Noses in books and pens to paper are all well and good for SATs revision, but did you know that encouraging your child to play could also help them achieve their best during SATs?
10 top tips for SATs revision
Revision for tests is never easy for your children, but fear not, positive parenting expert Sue Atkins shares her advice to parents who want to help their kids achieve their best.