Key Stage 2 SATs in 2026

Understand how the Key Stage (KS) 2 SATs are administered and reported this year, and what role the governing board should play.

Last reviewed on 27 March 2026See updates
School types: Maintained, AcademySchool phases: PrimaryRef: 4558
Contents
  1. Key Stage (KS) 2 SATs are scheduled for 11 to 14 May 2026
  2. KS2 assessment data will be published this year 
  3. What are pupils tested on? 
  4. How and when will schools receive results? 
  5. What's our role here? 

Key Stage (KS) 2 SATs are scheduled for 11 to 14 May 2026

At the end of Key Stage (KS) 2, pupils take National Curriculum tests, also known as SATs.  

Academies, including free schools, aren't required to teach the National Curriculum but must still administer SATs if their funding agreements require them to follow the KS2 assessment and reporting arrangements (ARA).

KS2 assessment data will be published this year 

Just like last year, school-level data from SATs will be published on the DfE's performance measures website. This means you'll be able to compare your school's results with other schools.

What are pupils tested on? 

The KS2 SATs consist of:

  • English grammar, punctuation and spelling
    • Paper 1 – questions
    • Paper 2 – spelling
    • English reading
  • Mathematics arithmetic and reasoning
    • Paper 1 – arithmetic
    • Paper 2 – reasoning
    • Paper 3 – reasoning 

Teacher assessment will be used for English writing and science.

This is outlined in the ARA guidance, linked above (section 5.1).

Test results