How to Help Your Child Pass the SATs

Every year thousands of parents feel overwhelmed when SATs approach. Whether your child is in Year 2 or Year 6, the tests can feel like a big deal — but they don't have to be stressful. With simple steps you can do at home, you can help your child build confidence, master key skills and reach the expected standard, or even higher.

📋 What Are the SATs and How Do They Work in 2026?

SATs check how well children are doing in the national curriculum at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6). They cover English and maths and happen every May.

📊 How Scaled Scores Work

Results use scaled scores from 80 to 120. Here is what each band means for your child:

Standardised scores let schools compare fairly across years even when papers change slightly. Secondary schools often use the results to set initial groups in Year 7 and to set realistic GCSE targets later on.

💡 Practical Tips You Can Start Today

These home-friendly ideas use retrieval practice, markschemes and short bursts of work to build skills without burnout.

1. Read together every day — ask questions about inference and comprehension to strengthen reading skills.
2. Practise arithmetic and reasoning with quick mental maths games or past papers. Mark them together using the official markscheme so your child sees exactly where marks come from.
3. Turn GPS into fun challenges — spot errors in newspaper headlines or play quick spelling games together.
4. Use spaced retrieval — test key facts or times tables one day, then again a few days later. This locks in knowledge far better than last-minute cramming.
5. Build fluency with short timed activities — one arithmetic question every morning builds speed and real confidence.
6. Look at old papers together and discuss what the question is really asking. This improves reasoning and reduces surprises on the day.
7. Protect wellbeing — keep sessions short (20–30 minutes), include movement breaks and celebrate every small win.

⚠️ Common Misconceptions That Hold Children Back

• "My child just needs to memorise everything" — SATs reward understanding and application. Explaining answers clearly matters more than rote learning.
• "Only Year 6 SATs count" — KS1 results help spot gaps early and build the solid foundations that Year 6 depends on.
• "Extra pressure guarantees better results" — Calm, consistent practice with good wellbeing support leads to higher attainment than stressed cramming.
• "You need expensive tutors to improve" — Most children improve hugely with regular home support and free past papers.