Official SATs Resources for Parents
The official GOV.UK pages that matter — each one summarised in plain English, so you can find what you need without wading through search results.
Where to Find the Official Guidance
SATs are run by the Standards and Testing Agency (opens in new tab) (STA), which is part of the Department for Education. All official guidance — past papers, test dates, scoring rules, and access arrangements — is published free on GOV.UK (opens in new tab).
The pages below are the ones that actually matter for parents. Each link goes directly to the official source, with a short summary of what you will find there.
If you are new to SATs, start with our What Are SATs? guide first, then come back here for the official documents. For exact test dates, see our SATs dates guide.
Before the Tests
If I had to point a first-time SATs parent at one page, it would be the STA’s parent information sheet at the top of the list below — two pages, clear language, and it answers the questions most families have in the first term of Year 6.
The rest covers the rulebook schools must follow, where to find past papers, and what support is available for children with SEN.
If your child has special educational needs, read our SATs and SEN guide alongside the official access arrangements document above.
Results & Scores
Results arrive in early July. Schools receive the data first through the National Curriculum Assessments Portal, then pass it on to families — usually a letter before the end of term. Two pages worth bookmarking before that letter lands:
Not sure what scaled scores mean? Our SATs scoring explained guide walks through raw scores, scaled scores, expected standard, and greater depth in plain English — ideal reading before results day in July.
Curriculum & Schools
Understand what children are expected to learn by Year 6, and see how your child's school compares nationally.
Other Routes
Not every child takes SATs in the standard way. This section covers home education and what that means for national assessments.
Home-educating families can still use SATs Arcade for curriculum-aligned practice. See our free resources — no subscription needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where do I find official SATs past papers?
Official SATs past papers are published free on GOV.UK under 'National curriculum assessments: past test materials.' The Standards and Testing Agency releases the previous three years' papers, along with mark schemes and test administration guides. You can also find free practice sets at SATs Arcade.
Where are the official test dates?
The DfE publishes exact SATs dates in the Key Stage 2 Assessment and Reporting Arrangements (ARA), usually confirmed in the autumn term before the tests take place. Our SATs dates guide links directly to the current ARA and shows any published dates for the year ahead.
How do I get my child's SATs results?
Schools receive raw and scaled scores via the National Curriculum Assessments Portal in early July. The school then shares results with parents — usually by letter in mid-July. You can read more about what the scores mean in our SATs scoring explained guide.
What are access arrangements?
The school applies on your child's behalf — you don't need to request it yourself. If your child already has a support plan (an EHCP or documented SEN support), the school knows what to apply for. Arrangements can include extra time, a scribe, a reader, rest breaks, and modified papers. See our SEN guide for what to ask the school.
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