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Year 6 KS2 maths tests: arithmetic, reasoning and confidence
England's end-of-Key-Stage-2 maths tests are often called Year 6 SATs. Children meet arithmetic and reasoning questions; calm practice with the methods they learn at school is more useful than drilling unfamiliar tricks.
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At a glance
England Key Stage 2 SATs Mathematics (Year 6)
Syllabi, patterns and dates change. Check the official source below for the current notice.
Who takes them
The national curriculum tests are designed for pupils at the end of Year 6 in England. Check with the school about a child's arrangements.
Maths papers
The maths test includes an arithmetic paper and two reasoning papers. Check the current year's official guidance for details.
What they support
The tests assess aspects of the mathematics curriculum and help schools report attainment. They are one part of a child's learning.
Terminology
These primary Year 6 tests are sometimes called SATs. They are different from the US College Board SAT used for college admissions.
What it covers
Topics to master
Arithmetic
Secure written and mental methods for the four operations, fractions, decimals, percentages and order of operations.
Fractions, decimals and percentages
Compare representations, find equivalent values and solve problems with proportions.
Reasoning and problem solving
Read carefully, select useful information, show a method and explain a conclusion.
Measures and shape
Use units, perimeter, area, angles, properties of shapes, data and coordinates as covered in the Year 6 curriculum.
What earns marks
- Choosing an efficient method and checking it
- Showing enough working to make reasoning clear
- Reading each question before deciding which calculation to use
Common mistakes
- Calling the English primary tests the US SAT
- Turning short practice into stressful mock exams every day
- Rushing past the wording of a reasoning question
- Comparing children using one test score alone
A plan
How to prepare, in four phases
- 01Begin with the classwork
Ask which topics the child is currently learning and use their teacher's feedback as the starting point.
- 02Strengthen arithmetic
Practise short, mixed sets of the four operations, fractions and decimals, checking methods together.
- 03Make reasoning visible
Talk through what a word problem is asking before doing any calculations.
- 04Try official materials
Use the latest released materials from the Standards and Testing Agency and keep the final revision routine calm and familiar.
Exams do not move
How many weeks do you have?
Enter your exam date and weekly hours. The free planner counts the weeks and splits them into a calm plan.
Free practice
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Scientific calculator
A free online scientific calculator with brackets, powers, roots, logs, trigonometry in degrees or radians, factorials and a history.
Use the tool โPercentage calculator
Find X% of a number, what percent one number is of another, percentage change, add or take off a percentage, and reverse percentages.
Use the tool โFraction calculator
Add, subtract, multiply and divide fractions and mixed numbers, with the answer simplified and the working shown step by step.
Use the tool โOfficial source: GOV.UK: Key Stage 2 national curriculum tests. Check it for the current syllabus, pattern and dates. We do not promise marks, ranks or selection.
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England KS2 SATs maths: 20 live classes
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FAQ
Year 6 KS2 maths tests: questions people ask
What is tested in Year 6 SATs maths?
The Key Stage 2 maths tests include arithmetic and reasoning. The current national curriculum and test materials are the best guide to the assessable content.
Are KS2 SATs the same as the American SAT?
No. KS2 SATs are English primary school assessments at the end of Year 6. The College Board SAT is a separate US college-admissions test.
When are the KS2 maths tests?
The Standards and Testing Agency publishes the timetable and arrangements for each academic year. Check the current GOV.UK guidance and ask the school.
How can parents help without adding pressure?
Keep practice brief, ask your child to explain a method, notice what is improving and speak with the teacher about persistent gaps.
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