Long Division Year 6 — Step-by-Step Method for KS2 SATs

Why Long Division Feels Hard

It’s got more steps than any other arithmetic operation. Addition is one step. Subtraction is one step. Even multiplication is basically just repeated addition. But long division? Divide, multiply, subtract, bring down, repeat. That’s a lot to hold in your head.

The good news is that every step is simple on its own. Your child already knows how to divide, multiply, and subtract. Long division just chains them together. Once the sequence becomes automatic — and it will, with practice — it stops feeling hard and starts feeling mechanical.

The Bus Stop Method

This is the standard method taught in UK schools. Let’s work through 432 ÷ 18 step by step:

That’s it. Divide, multiply, subtract, bring down. Over and over until you run out of digits. If your child can do these four things, they can do long division. The trick is keeping the columns neat and not rushing.

What About Remainders?

Sometimes the division doesn’t work out perfectly. 50 ÷ 8 = 6 remainder 2. In SATs, the question will tell your child what to do with the remainder:

• “Give your answer as a remainder” — Just write r2.
• “Give your answer as a fraction” — Write 6¼ (remainder over divisor: 2/8 = ¼).
• “Give your answer as a decimal” — Keep dividing (see next section).
• A word problem — Think about context. “How many minibuses?” means round UP, not down.

That last one catches loads of children out. If 50 people need minibuses that hold 8, the answer is 7 buses, not 6. Read the question carefully.

Long Division with Decimals

When the question asks for a decimal answer, you just keep going. Add a decimal point and zeros, then continue the bus stop method as normal.

The method is identical — just don’t forget to line up the decimal point in your answer directly above the one in the number being divided.

Long Division in Word Problems

On the reasoning papers, division is buried inside a story. The maths is exactly the same — the hard part is spotting that it’s a division question in the first place.

“Share equally” is the giveaway. That means divide. 156 ÷ 12 = 13. Teach your child to underline the key words: “share”, “each”, “equally”, “how many groups”. These all point to division.

Common Mistakes

• Messy columns — This is the number one cause of wrong answers. If digits aren’t lined up properly, everything goes sideways. Use squared paper.
• Forgetting to bring down — Children subtract and then just stare at the remainder, forgetting to bring down the next digit. Drill the chant: divide, multiply, subtract, bring down.
• Wrong place value — Writing the answer digit above the wrong column. Always start by asking “does the divisor go into the first digit?” and work from left to right.
• Not checking — A quick multiplication check catches most errors. If 432 ÷ 18 = 24, then 24 × 18 should equal 432. It takes ten seconds and saves marks.

Practice Tips

Start with single-digit divisors (e.g. 84 ÷ 7) to build the rhythm. Once that’s fluent, move to two-digit divisors. Don’t jump ahead too quickly — confidence matters more than speed at this stage.

Always check answers using multiplication. It reinforces both skills at once and builds the habit of self-checking that examiners love to see.

SATs Arcade’s arithmetic practice includes plenty of division questions at all three difficulty levels, with step-by-step explanations when your child gets stuck. A few minutes each day makes a real difference.