Key Stage 1: SATs (Non - Compulsory)

Key Stage 1 (KS1) SATs are assessments taken by children in Year 2 (typically aged 6-7) at the end of their Key Stage 1 primary education in England. Historically, these were statutory (compulsory) national tests, but from September 2023, they became non-statutory, meaning schools can now choose whether or not to administer them.

Here's a breakdown of what they generally entail:

1. Purpose of KS1 SATs:

  • Measure Attainment: The primary purpose is to assess pupils' understanding and application of the KS1 curriculum in English and Maths.

  • Inform Teaching: They provide information to teachers to help identify any gaps in a pupil's learning, allowing them to tailor support or provide further challenge as children progress to Year 3 (Key Stage 2).

  • School Assessment: For schools that choose to administer them, the results can be used internally to evaluate the effectiveness of their teaching and curriculum at KS1.

  • Baseline (Historically): Previously, KS1 SATs results were used as a baseline to measure a pupil's progress to KS2 (Year 6 SATs). However, with the introduction of the Reception Baseline Assessment (RBA) in 2021, the KS1 SATs are no longer needed for this national progress measure.

2. Subjects Covered:

The KS1 SATs typically cover:

  • English Reading:

    • Usually two papers, which include a selection of texts (fiction, non-fiction, poetry) with accompanying comprehension questions.

    • Questions range from selected responses (e.g., multiple choice) to short and extended written answers, testing understanding, inference, and vocabulary.

  • Mathematics:

    • Paper 1: Arithmetic: Focuses on straightforward calculations with no context (e.g., addition, subtraction, multiplication, division problems).

    • Paper 2: Reasoning: Assesses problem-solving skills across number, measures, geometry, and statistics, often involving word problems and requiring children to explain their methods.

  • English Grammar, Punctuation, and Spelling (GPS): (This paper is now optional for schools)

    • Paper 1: Spelling: An aural test where the teacher reads 20 words within sentences, and children write down the missing word.

    • Paper 2: Grammar, Punctuation, and Vocabulary: Includes a mix of question types (e.g., multiple choice, short answers) testing knowledge of grammar rules, correct punctuation use, and word types.

  • English Writing and Science: These are assessed by the child's teacher based on classroom observations and ongoing work throughout the year, rather than formal tests.

3. Format and Administration:

  • Informal Setting: Unlike KS2 SATs, KS1 SATs are designed to be less formal. They are not strictly timed and are usually administered by the child's own teacher in a familiar classroom setting, sometimes in small groups.

  • Teacher Marking: The papers are marked internally by the school's teachers.

  • Scaled Scores: Raw scores (the actual marks achieved) are converted into "scaled scores." A scaled score of 100 indicates that a child has met the "expected standard" for their age. Scores range from 85 to 115.

    • Below 100: Not yet met the expected standard.

    • 100-109: Met the expected standard.

    • 110 or over: Exceeded the expected standard (sometimes referred to as "working at greater depth").

  • Reporting to Parents: Parents typically won't receive the exact scaled scores unless they specifically ask, but schools will inform them whether their child is working at the expected standard (or above/below) as part of their end-of-year report.

4. Controversy:

KS1 SATs have been a subject of controversy for several reasons:

  • Age Appropriateness: Many teachers, parents, and educational experts have argued that formal, standardised tests are too much pressure for children as young as seven, leading to stress and anxiety.

  • Curriculum Narrowing: Critics suggested that the focus on tested subjects (English and Maths) led to a narrowing of the curriculum in Year 2, with less time dedicated to other valuable subjects like arts, humanities, and physical education.

  • "Teaching to the Test": Concerns were raised that schools might "teach to the test" rather than fostering a broad and balanced education.

  • Teacher Workload: Administering and marking the tests added to teacher workload.

The decision to make KS1 SATs non-statutory from September 2023 was a direct response to these concerns, aiming to reduce pressure on young children and teachers, and to give schools more flexibility in how they assess pupils' learning at the end of Key Stage 1. However, some schools may still choose to use the optional tests as part of their internal assessment framework.