SATs Dates 2026
Plan ahead with the expected KS2 SATs timetable, key milestones, and revision planning tips.
When Are SATs 2026?
KS2 SATs 2026 are expected to take place during the week commencing 11 May 2026. The Department for Education confirms the exact dates each year, and the pattern has been consistent: SATs week always falls in mid-May.
All state-funded schools in England administer the tests on the same days, following a nationally prescribed timetable. The tests run from Monday to Thursday, with Friday kept free. If a child misses a paper due to illness, the school may be able to arrange for them to sit it later in the week under special conditions set by the STA.
SATs Week Timetable
Below is the typical SATs week schedule. Exact dates for 2026 will be confirmed by the DfE.
Monday
- GPS Paper 1 — Grammar & Punctuation (45 min)
- GPS Paper 2 — Spelling (approx. 15 min)
Tuesday
- Reading Paper (60 min)
Wednesday
- Maths Paper 1 — Arithmetic (30 min)
- Maths Paper 2 — Reasoning (40 min)
Thursday
- Maths Paper 3 — Reasoning (40 min)
Friday
No tests — catch-up day for any missed papers (rare circumstances only).
Key Dates for Parents
SATs preparation is a year-long process. Here is a month-by-month guide to help you plan:
September
Schools share information about SATs with Year 6 parents. Your child's teacher will outline what to expect and how the school prepares.
January – February
Many schools run internal mock tests to give children practice under timed conditions. This helps identify areas that need more focus.
March – April
Revision intensifies. Focus on weaker topics and build exam stamina with timed practice papers. Daily 15–20 minute sessions are ideal.
May (SATs Week)
The official tests take place over four days (Monday to Thursday). Children sit all six papers during this single week.
July
Results are sent to schools in mid-July. Schools then share them with parents, usually before the end of term.
When Do SATs Results Come Out?
SATs results are typically released to schools in mid-July, around six to eight weeks after the tests. Schools then share results with parents, usually before the end of the summer term.
Your child’s results letter will include a scaled score for each subject (reading, maths, and GPS), along with whether they achieved the “expected standard” (a scaled score of 100 or above). You will also receive teacher assessment outcomes for writing and science.
For a detailed explanation of how raw marks convert to scaled scores, see our SATs scoring explained guide.
How to Plan Revision Around SATs Dates
The most effective revision starts three to six months before SATs week. That means beginning in earnest around November or December and building gradually. Here are some practical tips:
- ✓Daily practice, 15–20 minutes. Consistency beats intensity. Short, focused sessions every day are far more effective than long weekend blocks.
- ✓Rotate subjects. Don’t focus on one subject all week. Alternate between maths, reading, and GPS to keep things fresh and balanced.
- ✓Use timed practice. As SATs week approaches, practise under timed conditions so your child is comfortable with the pace expected on the day.
- ✓Review mistakes. The most valuable learning happens when children understand why they got something wrong. Our detailed explanations help with this.
For a ready-made plan, see our SATs revision timetable guide.
SATs Countdown
Want to know exactly how many days are left? Our live SATs countdown shows the days, hours, and minutes until SATs week begins. It’s a great motivator — watching the number go down while their confidence goes up.
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