In England, National Curriculum tests or 'SATs' are compulsory for all 7 and 11 year olds. This academic year the Standards and Testing Agency is changing the tests your child will take in May 2016 so that they assess the new national curriculum, introduced in 2014.

What are SATs?

SATs is short for Standard Assessment Tests. They are designed to help parents and teachers learn more about their child’s strengths and weaknesses in Reading, Maths, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation. This year a sample group of schools will participate in the Science test. We will inform parents if St Bede's has been identified as one of these schools.

At the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) children are tested on what they have been learning at school to assess the new national curriculum. They will be consist of formal assessments in Maths, Reading and Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar (SPaG). These tests are designed to enable pupils to demonstrate their attainment and are not strictly timed since the ability to work at pace is not part of the process. 

Phonic knowledge will continue to be assessed with the Phonics Screening.

When do SATs tests take place?

In Key Stage 1 there is no set week for the tests to take place, but all assessments must be completed and collated by the end of May 2016. Key Stage 2 SATs are always in May. This year the formal tests will take place during the week beginning 9th May 2016. Your child’s class teacher will continue to assess your child’s progress and attainment throughout the year.

For more information on the new National Curriculum tests please our Key Stage Results page.