Every spring, Year 2 and Year 6 pupils across England sit their SATs (Standard Assessment Tests), which assess progress in English and maths. While SATs don’t define a child’s ability or future success, they do provide schools with useful benchmarks — and, understandably, they can feel like a big deal for pupils and parents alike.
The good news? With the right preparation and mindset, children can approach SATs with confidence rather than stress. Here’s how parents can best support their child — and how pupils can prepare effectively without feeling overwhelmed.
1. Understand What SATs Are (and Aren’t)
SATs measure how well pupils have learned key skills from the national curriculum: reading, grammar, punctuation, spelling and maths.
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Key Stage 1 (Year 2) SATs are more informal; teachers use them alongside classroom work to form a judgement.
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Key Stage 2 (Year 6) SATs are externally marked, and results are published to show a child’s attainment at the end of primary school.
It’s important to remind children that SATs are just one part of their learning journey — they test what’s been taught, not who they are.
2. Build Good Study Habits Early
Preparation works best when it’s gradual. Encourage short, regular bursts of learning rather than long cramming sessions.
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Set a routine: 15–20 minutes of revision after school can be far more effective than hours at the weekend.
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Create a calm study space: Somewhere free from distractions helps children focus.
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Use practice papers wisely: These help familiarise pupils with question types and timing — but avoid overdoing them. Quality beats quantity.
Many schools provide practice SATs papers (for example, from CGP or Twinkl), and there are free versions online from the Department for Education.
3. Focus on Core Skills
For English:
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Read together daily — stories, articles, even comics. Discuss characters, settings and new words.
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Practise spelling and grammar in context (e.g. writing letters or diary entries).
For Maths:
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Revise key facts like times tables, number bonds, and place value.
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Encourage mental arithmetic through games, cooking (measuring ingredients) or shopping (calculating change).
Little and often is best; embedding skills in everyday life makes learning more natural and less pressured.
4. Encourage a Positive Mindset
A calm, confident attitude makes a world of difference. Remind your child that mistakes are part of learning.
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Praise effort, not just results — highlight persistence and problem-solving.
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Use relaxation techniques: deep breathing, mindfulness apps, or light exercise can reduce anxiety.
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Avoid comparing children with classmates; everyone learns differently.
If your child feels nervous, reassure them that even adults get test anxiety — it’s normal and manageable.
5. Support Sleep, Nutrition and Balance
In the run-up to tests, ensure your child gets:
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Plenty of rest: 9–11 hours of sleep helps memory and focus.
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Healthy meals: Breakfasts with slow-release energy (e.g. porridge, fruit, toast) support concentration.
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Time to relax: Outdoor play, hobbies, or family time refresh the mind and prevent burnout.
Balance is key — over-revision can backfire if children become tired or stressed.
6. Work With the School
Teachers know the SATs format well and can suggest specific areas for practice.
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Attend any SATs information meetings or parent evenings.
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Ask for feedback on your child’s strengths and areas to improve.
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Use school-recommended resources rather than buying too many workbooks.
Partnership between home and school ensures consistent support and realistic expectations.
7. Celebrate the Journey
After SATs, celebrate your child’s hard work — regardless of scores. A fun day out, a special meal, or simple praise shows them that effort matters most. These tests mark an important milestone, but they’re not the end of the story — secondary school brings new opportunities and challenges.
Final Thoughts
SATs can be stressful, but they can also be an opportunity for pupils to reflect on how far they’ve come. The best preparation isn’t about pressure or perfection; it’s about steady learning, encouragement and self-belief. When parents keep things calm, structured and positive, children learn to see tests not as threats — but as chances to shine.
So, as SATs season approaches, remember: confidence is built at home, practice makes progress, and every child’s journey is unique.