SATs Results 2025: National Averages & Analysis
What the 2025 results tell us — and what they mean for children sitting SATs in 2026
Key Headline Figures
In 2025, the percentage of Year 6 children reaching the expected standard (a scaled score of 100 or above) edged up by roughly one percentage point across all three tested subjects compared to 2024, according to the revised KS2 attainment statistics published by the Department for Education. Here are the headline numbers:
Figures verified against DfE on 27 April 2026.
| Subject | % Expected Standard |
|---|---|
| Maths | 74% |
| Reading | 75% |
| GPS | 73% |
| Combined (R+W+M) | 62% |
Source: DfE revised KS2 attainment statistics, academic year 2024/25 (published 23 April 2026).
The combined figure (62%) means that roughly six in ten children met the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths together. This is the measure most often reported in the news.
Greater Depth
Greater depth (or “higher standard”) is achieved by children who score 110 or above on the scaled score. These are the children performing well above age-related expectations.
26%
Maths
33%
Reading
30%
GPS
Combined higher standard (R+W+M): 8%. Source: DfE revised KS2 attainment, 2024/25.
Reading had the highest proportion of children reaching greater depth, while maths was the most challenging at this level. Reading at greater depth lifted notably from 29% in 2024 to 33% in 2025 — the strongest single-year movement at this level in recent years.
Gender Gap
As in previous years, girls outperformed boys in reading and GPS at the expected standard. The gap is most pronounced in GPS, where girls typically score several percentage points higher.
In maths, boys have historically had a slight edge, but the gap has been narrowing year on year. In 2025, the difference between boys and girls in maths was negligible at the expected standard level, though boys were slightly more likely to reach greater depth.
Writing (assessed by teachers, not by SATs) continues to show the largest gender gap, with girls significantly more likely to reach the expected standard and greater depth.
How 2025 Compares to Previous Years
The table below shows the percentage of children meeting the expected standard from 2019 to 2025. SATs were cancelled in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic.
| Year | Maths | Reading | GPS | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 79% | 73% | 78% | 65% |
| 2020 | Cancelled (COVID-19) | |||
| 2021 | Cancelled (COVID-19) | |||
| 2022 | 71% | 74% | 72% | 59% |
| 2023 | 73% | 73% | 72% | 60% |
| 2024 | 73% | 74% | 72% | 61% |
| 2025 | 74% | 75% | 73% | 62% |
Sources: DfE provisional KS2 results (2022, 2023, 2024) and revised 2024/25 statistics (published 23 April 2026). 2019 figures from the final pre-pandemic national tables.
2025 marks the first year all three tested subjects ticked up by a percentage point compared to 2024. Reading is the clearest recovery story — at 75% it has now matched 2019's pre-pandemic level. Maths (74%) and GPS (73%) remain a few points below their 2019 peaks, and the combined figure (62%) is still three points off the 2019 baseline.
What the 2025 Thresholds Were
The threshold is the minimum raw score needed to achieve a scaled score of 100 (the expected standard). These change every year based on paper difficulty. Here are the approximate 2025 thresholds:
| Paper | Total Marks | Raw Score for 100 |
|---|---|---|
| Maths (all 3 papers combined) | 110 | ~56 |
| Reading | 50 | ~26 |
| GPS | 70 | ~38 |
These thresholds are approximate and based on published conversion tables. The exact thresholds are set after marking is complete and can vary by a mark or two from year to year. For a detailed breakdown of how raw scores convert to scaled scores, see our SATs scoring explained guide.
What This Means for 2026
The 2025 results suggest that standards have stabilised after the pandemic disruption. For children sitting SATs in 2026, this is broadly good news — the tests are not getting harder, and the thresholds have been consistent.
Thresholds may shift slightly in 2026 depending on the difficulty of the papers, but major changes are unlikely. The STA aims to keep the expected standard comparable from year to year.
The best preparation strategy remains the same: consistent, low-pressure practice throughout Year 6, focusing on areas where your child is less confident. For a step-by-step plan, see our how to prepare for SATs guide.
How Your Child Compares
It’s natural to wonder where your child fits into the national picture. If they are consistently scoring around 55–60 out of 110 on maths practice papers, or 25–30 out of 50 on reading, they are likely on track for the expected standard.
Remember that these are just numbers. Every child develops at their own pace, and a score below the threshold in February doesn’t mean they won’t reach it by May. Consistent practice and encouragement make a real difference in those final months.
Use our free score calculator to convert your child’s practice paper raw scores into estimated scaled scores and see where they stand.
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