Key Stage 2 SATs: governors' role

Key Stage (KS) 2 SATs will take place in May 2023. Here's what you need to know and what you should ask your head. And, if you're asked to be an 'independent observer' for your school's test administration, use our checklist so you know what to look out for.

Last reviewed on 7 November 2022
See updates
School types: Maintained, Academy · School phases: Primary
Ref: 5029
Contents
  1. Know the key information
  2. Monitor SATs as part of general teaching and learning
  3. Ask about the effects on wellbeing
  4. Ask about test administration
  5. You might need to be an independent observer
  6. Independent observers: use our checklist
  7. Scrutinise your school's results afterwards

Our experts Harry James, Jane Owens and Brendan Hollyer helped us with this article. 

Know the key information

You should know:

  • What the SATs are for
  • When they'll take place
  • How they'll be administered and reported

Read this article for a quick explanation.

Monitor SATs as part of general teaching and learning

As a general rule, governors don't need to be too involved in how your school prepares pupils for the SATs, as the specific details are too operational. 

What are we doing to prepare pupils for their SATs tests so they have the best possible chance of success? How do we know this is the best method? What do we expect the results to look like this year, and why? Is

Read next

Also in "Pupil progress & attainment"